Let your name be the aim of your life : Letter on your Six Glorious Years "Tattwarth"

Firs of all Happy 6th Birthday, Dear Tattwarth,

After the letter written on your birth and first birthday, now after about 5 years, I am once again saying something through this letter... I know you will be able to understand all this only after some time, but what is in my heart right now. I want to tell him right now.

I had written the earlier two letters in my own language "Hindi", now I am writing this letter in English, a language which has become relatively easy for your times, but the words and emotions of the heart are the same in every language. 

Today marks a special day, a day filled with joy, laughter, and love—your 6th birthday! As I sit down to write this letter to you, my heart swells with emotions that are hard to put into words. Six years ago, you came into our lives like a burst of sunshine, filling every moment with happiness and wonder.

Watching you grow and learn has been the greatest gift of all. From your first steps to your curious questions about the world around you, every milestone has been a testament to your incredible spirit. You have a way of brightening even the darkest days with your infectious laughter and boundless energy.

As you turn six, I want you to know how immensely proud I am of the person you are becoming. You are kind, compassionate, and brave beyond measure. Your imagination knows no bounds, and sometimes I am amazed by the worlds you create and the stories you tell. Yes, there are some foolishness, devilishness and weaknesses in your personality, but I hope that one day by moving forward in life and learning, you will remove them and become a person with a strong, capable and meaningful personality. 

On this special day, I want to remind you of a few things:

1. You Are Loved: You are surrounded by love from your family and friends. Remember that you are never alone, and we are always here for you, cheering you on every step of the way. But keep one more thing in mind, whatever we have got in this life, do not take it for granted. For this, the good deeds of the previous birth have a big contribution, hence it is important that in this life, instead of having a materialistic mindset, try to find something meaningful and make life successful.

2. Dream Big: Let your dreams soar high, my dear. Whether you want to be an astronaut, a scientist, or a superhero, believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Whatever you achieve in your professional life can be achieved only for a certain time, but the purpose of this life is not just to achieve something in this world but to make your journey successful for upcoming life also called next bhava. Because the life of the soul is not limited to just this one existence, it is an infinite journey and understand that one has been born only to stop this journey. Just understand that life becomes successful only when you attain self-realization, otherwise you have not done anything new or amazing.

3. Embrace Challenges: Life is full of challenges, but I know you are strong enough to face them with courage and determination. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. The obstacles of life are not the truth of life, but our life is reflected in reality only by how we move forward with mental and spiritual strength after facing those obstacles. You will get this spiritual strength through philosophical reflection, purity of character and constant reading of good books, study of scriptures written by nyani's, 

4. Cherish Moments: Time flies by so quickly, but it's the moments we spend together that are truly precious. Treasure every hug, every laugh, and every adventure we share.Do not run for big things but learn to be satisfy and happy with small things and available resources. The desire to increase luxury is an endless race, therefore if you learn the art of adjusting your needs and desires instead of increasing wealth, you will achieve everything.

What else can I say, actually I am still learning and I would like for you too to always keep the desire to keep learning alive within you. Don't be egoistic, don't give up gratitude, keep your sensitivities alive and know your true interoduction/your aatm-swaroop, this is what I wish for you. I also know that how you will become depends on destiny or the time machine/Kal-labdhi. I am not their doer because results do not happen as per desires. But whatever good feelings I can have for you, I wish you only the best.

I would like that along with you, you should also take your sister Anavadya forward on this religious/spritual path, and also contribute in making every person's life around you happy and meaningful.

Happy 6th birthday, Tattwarth. May this year be filled with love, laughter, knowledge and endless adventures.

-Your Papa.

Namste London : A Journey Through Time and Culture (Part-1)

Traveling always proves to educate you more than any book. This is a lively medium of acquiring knowledge and experience. I got a chance to go on one such trip last year when I closely observed London, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and some other cities of the UK also. Although it has been almost a year since this happened, but now if you think about it, it seems as if it happened just yesterday. So let's start the story of this beautiful journey-

Although this journey had started from 12th April, but actually the excitement of this journey started in the last days of January 2023 when I received a message from the SOAS department of the University of London asking me to send a research paper. This message was from Peter Flugel, Head of SOAS, who had requested me to send a research paper focused on Jain saint Acharya Taran Swami.

Suddenly a desire arose in my heart that perhaps there might be an opportunity to present this research paper in a seminar of University of London, hence it should be prepared with full hard work and dedication. When I prepared that research paper and sent it to Mr. Peter Flugel, he considered it worthy of presentation in the seminar and recommended me to the organizing committee and somehow I got the slot to present it in the seminar. In this work, I got help from many people direct and indirectly.

In this way, after it was confirmed that I would go to London, my rush to get my passport and visa started. With less time and it being my first time to go out of the country, it became quite difficult to manage everything. But finally, after a lot of struggle, everything became clear, now that the possibility of my first foreign trip was ready, fate was also working in the same way.

Finally, on 12th April, the journey from Bhopal to Delhi and then from Delhi to London started. Meanwhile, there was also a stop of a few hours in Istanbul, so there was a lot of excitement that after landing on the soil of two countries, there would be a chance to understand it to some extent. My companion in this journey was Achyutkant, who was a student of the same Todarmal Jain Siddhant Mahavidyalaya from where I have acquired knowledge. Many friends, family and acquaintances bid an emotional farewell to this trip to London.

On the morning of 13th April, we first reached Istanbul by IndiGo flight and after a layover of about 3 hours there, we reached London's Heathrow Airport at around 5 pm. As soon as we came out of Heathrow Airport, we were welcomed by the cold winds coming from the North Pole, which we were not used to, hence these winds seemed a bit cold.

My acquaintances Richa Di and Gaurav ji had come to receive me at Heathrow, at whose house I was to stay in Langley for the next few days. Achyut left Heathrow to Greater London for his hotel. I had to meet Achyut in Greater London to go to SOAS the next day. 

After having dinner on the 13th and falling asleep very quickly due to jetlag, the next morning I left Langley by tube (train) for Russell Square. As I stepped onto the bustling streets of London, I was immediately enveloped in the city's vibrant energy and rich history. After handing over some essential items brought from India to Peter Flugel at SOAS, Achyut and I set out to explore the streets around London.

Our journey began with a visit to the iconic Tower of London, where the ancient walls echoed with tales of kings and queens, knights and prisoners. Walking through the Crown Jewels exhibition, I marveled at the dazzling treasures that symbolized centuries of royal splendor.The attractive buildings and beautiful bridges built on the banks of the River Thames were creating quite an attractive sight. London's iconic landmarks, including the majestic Tower Bridge, the modern marvel of the Shard were amazed us.

Notting Hill's colorful streets and charming cafés provided a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and moments of reflection. The Portobello Road Market was a sensory delight, with its array of antiques, books, and quirky finds. London evenings are quite happening, the performances of street singers outside the railway stations and on the streets make you say wow.

After exploring many places around Tower Bridge on 14th April, we had to devote all our time to our conference on 15th-16th April. My presentation was on the 16th so there was some nervousness, we spent most of the next two days in the SOAS conference hall. Where I got an opportunity to listen to the knowledge and experience of many international speakers.

My presentation took place on 16th April, which was much better than I expected and was appreciated by the people. After this presentation, now I had enough time to just explore London and some other places in UK which I could enjoy without any stress. On the evening of 16th we reached Herro to meet some of our friends and acquaintances. Where we met my senior friend Saurabh ji, Kajal Bhabhi and the friendly Hetal Ben and Milap Bhai who took care of me in London. We also visited the Jain temple at Harrow, which is a major Jain center of London established in the Prabhavana Yoga of Gurudev Kanji Swami.

Next Day, We ventured to Buckingham Palace, where the majestic Changing of the Guard ceremony unfolded before my eyes. Exploring the British Museum was a journey through time and civilizations. While walking on the streets of London, Achyut and I enjoyed beautiful buildings and locations like Big Ban, National Gallery, St. Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Parliament Square etc. 

Achyut had to return to India the next day, so this was the last day to visit London together. I had also planned to go to my cousin's house in Banbury the next day and I also wanted to visit Oxford and Birmingham in the next few days, so we explored the locations of London till late night. Due to it being late in the night, I also forgot that the frequency of trains reduces late on weekend night, so I hardly changed many trains that night and reached Langley at 1.30 in the night. For this, I got a little rebuke from Gaurav ji and Richa di and also got advice to be cautious in this unknown country.

The next day I left for Banbury with some of my important things, now I just had to come to London to take a flight to India at the end of my UK trip. Therefore, most of the belongings were left at Richa Di's house in Langley. I had to catch the train to Banbury from London Marlybone station which is near Saurabh ji and Kajal Bhabhi's house in Harrow. Therefore, the next night I stayed with Achyut at Saurabh ji's house, the next day Achyut left for India and I left for Banbery.

As my London adventure drew to a close, I reflected on the city's timeless allure and cultural richness. Each moment was a chapter in a captivating story, weaving together the past, present, and future of this dynamic metropolis. London had captured my heart, leaving me with cherished memories and a longing to return to its embrace.

I'll be back with some memories of Oxford, Birmingham and Banbury in my next blog, that's all for now....

Mission Kashmir : Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Kashmir.

Traveling offers opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress relief. Exploring new places, engaging in leisure activities, and disconnecting from daily routines can improve mental well-being and enhance overall quality of life.

Recently, I also got a chance to visit the heaven on earth, Kashmir, with my family. This was my first trip to a hill station with my children. Therefore, there was some concern about the health of the children but it was good that the children adjusted well to the climate of Kashmir during the trip.

Left for Jammu

So in this way we left for Jammu on 19 March 2024 by Jhelum Express from Bhopal. Along with me, my wife Nirjara, my son Tattvarth and daughter Anavadya, as well as my friend Vivek, his wife Nikita and son Nirgranth set out on this journey. Our journey to this heaven on earth started after reaching Jammu on 20th March. The pleasant weather, beautiful valleys, long road tunnels were surprising us.

Traveling about nine hours from Jammu, capturing the beautiful locations in our cameras and sharing them by making reels on Instagram, WhatsApp, we reached Pahalgam at around 9 pm the same day.

 Day 1: 21 March

Our first stop of the journey was Pahalgam where we stayed at Hotel Mountain Peak, the location of this hotel surrounded by beautiful valleys made us say wow. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayas. The crisp mountain air welcomed us as we landed, and we immediately felt the serene charm of Kashmir. Pahalgam beckoned us with its scenic beauty and serene ambiance. We strolled along the Lidder River, surrounded by pine forests and meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers. The Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab" shot there, was a highlight with its crystal-clear streams and towering mountains. Our adventure continued as we embarked on a trek to the Aru Valley, passing through quaint villages and lush landscapes. The pristine beauty of the valley, with its meandering rivers and alpine meadows, left us speechless. We also visited the Chandanwari, the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, immersing ourselves in the spiritual aura of the place. 

Day 2: 22 March

We were surprised to know that at the time when we were on Kashmir tour, some of our acquaintances and other friends had also gone on Kashmir tour, among them we unexpectedly met one of our very special friends, Akatva, on 22nd March we celebrated Akatva's birthday together. Also celebrated. After Pahalgam we reached our next stop Srinagar. In Srinagar we stayed at Hotel Velmont. On 22nd March we enjoyed the local sightseeing scene of Srinagar, visited some gardens and enjoyed a shikara (traditional wooden boat) ride in Dal Lake.

Day 3: 23 March

Our journey took us to Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers." The gondola ride to Kongdori provided us with unparalleled views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks, and we indulged in exhilarating activities like skiing and snowboarding. The lush green meadows of Gulmarg were a stark contrast to the snowy slopes, creating a picturesque landscape. In Gulmarg, my son Tattwarth, daughter Anavadya and my friend's son Nirgranth made many attractive snow figures and the children had a lot of fun on the snow covered land and mountains.

In Evening we spent leisurely exploring the local markets of Srinagar, Lal Chauk etc where we indulged in shopping for exquisite Pashmina shawls, intricate Kashmiri handicrafts, and aromatic spices etc. 

Day 4 : 24 March

After checking out from Velmont Hotel, Srinagar, we left for Sonamarg for the next leg of our journey. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, Sonamarg is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Translating to "Meadow of Gold" in Kashmiri, Sonamarg lives up to its name with its golden meadows, pristine rivers, and majestic snow-capped mountains.

Our journey begins with a scenic drive from Srinagar, winding through lush green valleys and quaint villages. As we approach Sonamarg, the air becomes crisper, and the landscape transforms into a postcard-perfect scene. Upon arrival, we check into a cozy guesthouse surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the roaring Sindh River. 

After returning from Sonamarg, we stayed at the famous Boat House of Srinagar on the same evening. The experience of a boat house gives a very royal feel. These boat houses are 100 to 150 years old where you get to see many antique items. After fatigue, staying at the boat house amidst the waves of Dal Lake is quite relaxing.

Day 5:

On 25th March, after checking out from the boat house in the morning, we set out to see some more unexplored places of Srinagar. We set out early to explore the iconic Shankaracharya Temple perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Srinagar city and the Dal Lake below. Later in the day, we visited the Mughal Gardens, with their meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and ancient chinar trees. Tulip garden and Shalimar Bagh left us in awe of their grandeur and historical significance. 

After this, having lunch at around 2 pm, we left for Jammu in our Toyota car from where we had to catch Jhelum Express back to Bhopal. During the journey, instead of eating too much outside, we gave priority to eating breakfast brought from home and food items prepared by ourselves on the spot.

As we bid farewell to Kashmir, we carried with us memories of a lifetime—the majestic mountains, serene lakes, lush valleys, and warm hospitality of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir truly is a paradise on earth, a destination that captivates the soul and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

Back to Bhopal

We reached back to Bhopal around 5 am on the 27th. Since the train was late by about 5 hours, instead of reaching our destination late at night, we landed at Bhopal early in the morning.

Of course, we spend some money while travelling, but the memories associated with these journeys have no value, those priceless memories are what we gain from these journeys.

प्राचीन भारत में महिला शिक्षा और व्याकरण ज्ञान का महत्व

वर्तमान में आम धारणा रही है कि महिला शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में ब्रिटिश काल के बाद जागरुकता आई है जबकि प्राचीन भारत में ऐसे कई पौराणिक ऐतिहासिक व साहित्यिक उल्लेख प्राप्त होते हैं जहां नारी की बौद्धिकता के प्रमाण मिलते हैं, बल्कि कन्या को भी विवाह के लिये ऐसे वर चुनने की समझाईश दी जाती है जो पुरुष धन संपन्न नहीं बल्कि बुद्धि संपन्न हो और व्याकरण, साहित्य, दर्शन, विज्ञान व अध्यात्म विद्या का पारगामी हो, ऐसे ही कुछ रोचक उद्धरण देखिये....

अजर्घा यो न जानाति यो न जानाति वर्वरी।

अचिकमत यो न जानाति तस्मै कन्या न दीयताम्।।

अर्थात्- अजर्घा, वर्वरी और अचिकमत इन पदों की सिद्धि जो न जानता हो उसे कन्या नहीं देनी चाहिए।

व्याकरण न जानने वाले का विवाह होना कठिन हो सकता है। देखिये वर को नकारने का कन्या द्वारा दिया गया बौद्धिक तर्क-

"यस्य षष्ठी चतुर्थी च विहस्य च विहाय च।

यस्याहं च द्वितीया स्यात् द्वितीया स्यामहं कथम्।।"

अर्थात्- 'जिसके लिए विहस्य, विहाय और अहम् क्रमशः षष्ठी, चतुर्थी और द्वितीया विभक्ति के रूप हों, मैं उसकी पत्नी कैसे बन सकती हूँ!'

व्याकरण की अशुद्धि के कारण राजा भोज को एक लकड़हारिन से अपमानित होना पड़ा था-

"भूरिभारभराक्रान्तस्तत्र स्कन्धो न बाधति?

न तथा बाधते राजन् यथा बाधति बाधते।"

अर्थात्-

राजा भोज लकड़हारिन से पूछते है~ भारी बोझ उठाते तुम्हारे कंधे नहीं दुखते?

जिस पर लकड़हारिन का उत्तर~ बोझ से नहीं, राजन्! 'बाधते' के स्थान पर 'बाधति' सुनकर अधिक कष्ट होता है!

इसी तरह पिता द्वारा व्याकरण पढ़ने के लिये पुत्र को प्रेरित करने का रोचक उदाहरण देखिये-

यद्यपि बहुनाधीषे तथापि पठ पुत्र व्याकरणम्।

स्वजनः श्वजनः मा भूत् सकलः शकलः सकृत्छकृत्।।

बेटे, व्याकरण इसलिए भी पढ़ो कि उच्चारण में स और श का अंतर न जानने से ही अनर्थ हो सकता है। जैसे:

स्वजन – संबंधी,

श्वजन – कुत्ता।

सकल – सम्पूर्ण,

शकल – खण्ड।

सकृत् – एक बार,

शकृत् – विष्ठा।

वैदिक काल में स्त्रीशिक्षा के दो रूप थे-1. सद्योवधू (वे विवाह होने से पूर्व ज्ञान प्राप्त करने वाली) तथा २. ब्रह्मवादिनी (ब्रह्मचर्य का पालन कर जीवनपर्यंत ज्ञानार्जन करने वाली)। ऋग्वेद में गार्गी, मैत्रेयी, घोषा, गोधा, विश्ववारा, अपाला, अदिति, इन्द्र्राणी, लोपामुद्रा, सार्पराज्ञी, वाक्क, श्रद्धा, मेधा, सूर्या व सावित्री जैसी अनेक वेद मंत्रद्र्रष्टा विदुषियों का उल्लेख मिलता है जिनके ब्रह्मज्ञान से समूचा ऋषि समाज आह्लादित था। जैनधर्म के प्रथम तीर्थंकर ऋषभदेव ने अपनी पुत्रियों ब्राह्मी-सुंदरी को विविध विषयों का गहन प्रशिक्षण दिया, "ब्राह्मी लिपि" उनकी पुत्री के नाम पर ही प्रचलित हुई।

इसी तरह आश्वालायन के गृहसूत्र में गार्गी, मैत्रेयी, वाचक्नवी, सुलभा, वडवा, प्रातिथेयी आदि शिक्षिकाओं के नाम मिलते हैं जिन्हें उपाध्याया का सम्बोधन दिया गया है। महाभारत में काशकृत्स्नी नामक विदुषी का उल्लेख है जिन्होंने मीमांसा दर्शन पर काशकृत्स्नी नाम के ग्रंथ की रचना की थी। इसके अलावा 8वी सदी में मिली रूसा नाम की एक लेखिका की एक कृति में धातुकर्म पर अनेक विवरण मिलते हैं। 12वीं सदी में भास्कराचार्य ने अपनी पुत्री लीलावती को गणित का अध्ययन कराने के लिए लीलावती ग्रंथ की रचना की थी।

महिला शिक्षा के ये विविध उद्धरण निश्चित ही गौरवान्वित करते हैं; साथ ही पद, प्रभाव, पैसा और प्रतिष्ठा जैसे मापदंडों पर ज्ञान का वर्चस्व स्थापित करते हैं।

-अंकुर

अयि कथमपि मृत्वा तत्त्वकौतुहली सन...

प्रसिद्ध जैन आचार्य अमृतचंद्र उक्त पंक्ति में कहबराहे हैं कि मौत की कीमत पे भी तत्त्व के यानि विश्व के वास्तविक स्वरूप के समझने के कौतुहली बनो। अच्छा! भला कौन की ऐसी बुद्धि फिर गई जो अव्यक्त के कौतूहल में व्यक्त की कद्र न करें, मौत की कीमत पे कोई किसी का कौतुहली होता भी है?

होता है, अमूमन हर रोज होता है, अनेक बार होता है। हालिया उदाहरण देखिए - दो दो करोड़ से ज्यादा खर्च करके सिर्फ टाइटैनिक का मलबा देखने और फोटोग्राफी करने के मंतव्य से अपनी जान गवा बैठे 5 अरबपति। गहन सोच में डालने वाली खबर है, सिर्फ पढ़कर छोड़ने लायक नहीं, अज्ञान जन्य मानवीय प्रवृत्ति की गहन पड़ताल करने वाली खबर। आखिरी समय उनका समय कैसा पीड़ा, संक्लेश परिणामों वाला रहा होगा कोई सोच भी नही सकता।

और अब "ओसीएन गेट" पनडुब्बी में सवार सभी अरबपति मृत घोषित कर दिए गए। उनके पास चाहे कितना ही पैसा था पर आखिरी समय में केवल "जीवित रहने" और धरती पर वापस आने की प्रार्थना रही होगी। मौत की कीमत पे भी अव्यक्त के कौतूहल में इन्होंने व्यक्त की कद्र कहाँ की? अमुक को जानने की इच्छा, अमुक को भोगने की इच्छा, हममें से न जाने किन किन को, किस किस का कौतुहली बनाती है... मौत की कीमत पर भी। 

हमारा पर्यटन, हमारा रोजगार, हमारे शौक, हमारा एडवेंचर, हमारे संबंध और... न जाने क्या क्या? ऐसी जाने कितनी चीजें हैं... जो सिर्फ कौतूहलवश की जा रही हैं बिना किसी खास प्रयोजन या हासिल के।

ऐसे में यदि आचार्य विश्व के सर्वोत्कृष्ट हासिल के लिए, मौत की कीमत पे भी तत्त्व के, जड़-चेतन के, स्व-पर के समझने का कौतुहली होने का उपदेश दे रहे हैं तो इसमें क्या बड़ी बात! ये जीवन उस तत्व को समझने में चला भी गया तो कुछ खास नहीं खोया... पर इस कौतूहल में यदि कुछ पा गए तो समझना अनादि भव संतति/संसार चक्र में जो न पा सके, वो अमूल्य अब मिल गया।

जीवन अपने आप में कितना अनमोल है, इसे महत्व दें, इसके लिए आभारी रहें। मिले हुए संसाधनों का सदुपयोग करें, पर प्रीति एकमात्र शुद्धात्मा से ही करें आपके पास ज्यादा समय, शक्ति, बुद्धि व धन हो तो व्यवहार में अधिकतम प्रभावना/वात्सल्य/सेवा आदि में यथायोग्य प्रवृतें; पर श्रद्धान तो इन्हें भी बंध का या दुख का कारण मानने का ही रखें और कौतुहली तो एक निज ज्ञायकभाव/अपने आत्मस्वभाव/ अपने वास्तविक स्वरूप को समझने के ही रहें।

ओसीएन गेट पनडुब्बी में सवार लोगों से Ocean Gate कंपनी पहले ही एफिडेविट ले चुकी थी कि अगर इस 8 घंटे के हैरतंगेज टूर में जान चली जाती है तो उसका कोई क्लेम नही होगा। सोचकर ही रोंगटे खड़े होते है के यह कैसा हैरतंगेज काम था जो लगभग एक सदी पहले डूब चुके टाइटैनिक जहाज का मलबा मात्र देखने का प्रोग्राम था। इस कौतूहल में क्या बौद्धिकता रही है कोई यदि बता दें तो मैं जरूर समझना चाहूंगा।

सोचकर देखो उस जगह पर हजार से ज्यादा लोग पहले ही कई साल पहले अपनी जान गंवा चुके हैं  और अब यह लोग भी उन्हीं दिवंगतों की लिस्ट में कुछ संख्याओं का इजाफा करने वाले बन गए, महज एक नंबर। मृतकों का नंबर।

बताईए! इस सहज प्राप्त कौतूहल की ऊर्जा का किस दिशा में उपयोग लाभकारी है... ज्ञान के या स्व के कौतुहली होने में या ज्ञेयनिष्ठ होकर जगत के कौतुहली होने में?🤔

~अंकुर