living bridge

Thursday 6 December 2012

PADAYATRA MY EXPERIENCE

PADAYATRA MY EXPERIENCE








To day 16 th oct.2012 aravendh bought me a laptop from u s

In fact I wanted the system to take it with me when I go the padayatra to Sridi Sai Baba shrine- the total duration will be about 65 days-so that I may be able to journal my views of the walk at night. My friend Mr.Sabapathy suggested the idea of walking all the way, I was very thrilled and excited- and from that day counting the day in Nov: 23rd when we will start the walk.



I have been walking daily for about 1hr.and 15mins early morning for nearly I year, and I was confident to make the trip. To get used to the long walk, twice I walked up the hill at Maruthamalai temple. It was quite thrilling- the fact I was able concentrate appreciating the tranquil mother nature, listening to the birds chipping- trying to imitate the birds sweet melodious voice with my whistling-- not bad I thought-it was fun-I didn’t feel any sort of weakness or pain in my legs –this gave me enough courage and confidence for the long awaited marathon walk. Today31st.oct. D-I-L bought a thermal wear for the trip-nice of her. Wanted to purchase a walking shoe-the puma shoe is about Rs.4000+ -it is far too much let me check up with Bata. O.k all set waiting for nov:23rd. finally ended up with buying a shoe from Ganga hospital for Rs.1300

Tried the new shoe, bit biting –hopefully it should be o.k soon

Today Ramu,my wife came to know through her sister that I am going for padayatra with Sri.Sabapathi and worried as to how I am going to manage,food,and sleep at odd places, she vehemently objected ,she wouldn’t even allow me to talk to her. I would expect her to send me with her blessings, Now what should I do, Go ahead with the programme or call it off for her sake.I wanted to take up this journey only to get rejuvenated. let me see she might cool down in few days. Before I set foot for Sridi let me try it out with padayatra to Palani Temple

On Sunday Mr.Ratnam joined me in skoda and we headed off to Keranam from where we had fabulous hospitality extended by old collegue of Loyola Mr.Jallal.left his place by car –started our padayatra by 6p.m –the edge of tar road was sharp and at times I tended to slip-I felt a little wobbly on the left side,and some pain along the left flank but o.k –I kept on –reached adivaram by 9.30p.m, has taken about 3.30 hrs.night at pattakara madam was a horrid experience with mosquitos singing all around .no mattress – hardly slept for 30.mins-bath early by 3.30a.m refreshing tea-set foot for girivalam –about 30.mins to complete-on the way by the elephant path saw the epitaph of Mr.Murthy-touching words-easy and good dharsan of LORD MURUGA-and back again to Mr.Jalla home for sumptuous breakfast-reached home by 12.30.prior to departure I told Mr.S.that my wife is not keen for me to undertake the shridi padayatra-no problem he said,on reaching home Ramu has been quite cordial and rather agreeable for the sridi trip.let me see if all is well then I will go ahead with shridi padayatra

It is just one week left to begin the padayatra-Ramu seemed to have accepted with some reservation. I have been toying with the idea whether I should go ahead with the trip. Let me see why? I feel not to proceed with the programme- the main reason 1} is because construction is going on at native home and at kerala land.as to how will it proceed in my absence! usual doubting thomas with apprehension_! 2}my patients will miss me –yes it is better in way that D.I.L has chance to cope on her own 3} At Mangarai how aravendh and D.I.L manage the activities –appusamy should not be allowed to have free hand- - hope fully not-D.I.L I hope will manage the payment –a/c details-supervise the garden and kitchen working- well they, D.I.L,and son have to do it latter if not now – I am confident it is a golden opportunity for them while I am still around 4}O.K what will happen at home in my absence-my wife and children will miss me for some time but get used soon _I hope and wish.5} will my physical status stand the ordeal of walking for about two months-I have been walking daily for about 1-1/2 hrs without any hiccough-I have the motivation, enthusiasm above all I have faith in myself. So let us see.

O.K. that s as far as negative aspects-let me see whether the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones

1} Whenever I come across any write up in the news about people venturing on a highland trip, trekking in the woods I used to get motivation to give it a try-but usually gets erased as I get engrossed in the daily chores of life hospital. mangarai, visit kerala land, supervise the construction work etc,etc.If I miss this opportunity I may not get one latter

So grab it I said to myself.

2} O.K I do realize that I have to undergo some strain physically-the pain-improper food-sleep-mosquito bites – but I am confident that these pains make me mentally a more mature positive person than what I have been earlier. also it is an opportunity to get first hand knowledge of different culture, language, people perspective etc

3}As we age like every one I am also being inclined towards spirituality, seeking to know the purpose of human birth as compared to other forms of life in this planet-birds-animals etc-not that I am trying to become a sanyasi –but as I used to say –this trip - I hope make me better citizen caring more for the society-and concentrate on farming activities.

4}Yes I will miss my family-wife children-grand children and they will also miss me-but I feel this short period will only strengthen the love, compassion understanding amidst us.

5} As a surgeon I am happy what I have achieved even though I don’t claim to have reached a pinnacle, but drawn a line of contention- so it is time for me to try living different life style enjoying it

Yes positive aspects outweigh the negative ones .yes I am going ahead and seek blessings of lord SAI RAM and best wishes from my family. As a precautionary I have written my will ,signed, sealed and kept in my wardrobe drawer .

To day 22nd earlier I have contemplated to call off the padayatra in view of Ramu’s feelings reg. my health while I am away.but Gowtami,ilango,chitra,gugan encouraged me to go ahead. Yes packing is done –hope Mr.K. accepts the luggage-installed skype must get used to it.

My friend Dr.kumaravel at salem is unwell and I must see him before I proceed.

On 22nd my children saw me off to padayatra,yes Ramu was little upset, but children calmed her, she has some cough, but nothing alarming. gowtami suguna and netraa came along with me to salem-went to see dr.kumaravel he is optimistic in spite his problem, poor chap with two tubes sticking out-hats off to his wife Revathy a good compassionate wife.the 4 padayatris sabanayagam,kannapann mr,k had dinner last night fairly good sleep woke up at 3 a.m and getting ready for the walk.

DAY {1} At.Mr.K.house up by 3a.m not opened the bowel didn’t strain, good gathering about 300.bajan invoking the GODS SAI BABA,MURUGA VENKATESWARA,IYYAPAN inspirational beginning,start sharp by 8a.m, disciplined by down to earth by Mr.K-walk for about 4k/m to Sai temple I was pleasantly surprised to see netra,gowthami,suguna how nice of them to come again to see me proceed-rest-lunch at .Bala of salem steel and tried for after noon nap-distrubed by snoring M.kalaiazahan-plan to leave by 4p.m. green tea is being served by Mr.Bala- probably preparatory to a strenuous walk to come-I am mentally more programmed and rejuvenated –let me keep up my tempo-o.k.prayer is being said for our blessings. Reached Karupur after having walked for 7k.m-rest at muruganandan house-I was offered to sleep in the bed room while the rest 3 sabanayagam,kannapan and Mr.K preferred to sleep in the hall, why the priority or partiality? is it because I am senior to others,or I am new to this marathan,or respspect for my profession?!- I don’t know any as Gowthami said I will accept it, had good shower,cupple of iddlies,uppuma o.k.for the night.slept ok.

DAY {2}: SATURDAY: early to rise by 2.30. a.m,quick brush,wash,fresh cup of black tea, to pep up, begin the walk at mile stone 195 to Bangalure.nice climate no rain,no wind either, steady walk –say about 3.5k.m per hour-pep up tea after I hr-about 3k.m before pusaripatti Mr.DEVARAJ and his wife sctoored all the way just bring tea and bun both of them very simple,and with sincere cordiality-again at the junction they waited to pick us to their house-sukku coffee at the temple-latter-Mr.DEVARAJ and his wife did pada puja for 4 of us- this is totally astonishing –I was humbled by the simple but very sincere affectionate way it was done-for I never believed in such puja, however this nearly brought tears in me.Again may be for the some reason known only to Mr.K I was asked to sleep n the bed room while other 3 slept in the mariamman temple.plan to spend eve,visting Chinna Tirupathi temple and after dinner start the walk by 3.a.m. Yes Chinna tripathi as the name suggest it is very Chinna compared LORD VENKATESWARA at THIRUMALA.Again the wonderful hospitality of Mr.D. But I just took two paniyaram and gulped 5 bananas to make sure of my bowel movement next day.

DAY:{3} SUNDAY 15 th November: Reasonable sleep- woke up at 2a.m, tummy has been a little cranky-may it should be o.k. –had a glass of water-[I used to take one glass of real hot water,followed with a thumbing cup of hot green tea-to kick off the bowel movement-I tell you it was the most horrid experience in my life to try and adopt a squatting posture {I used to do yoga but never tried a squatting posture} had I known earlier about the walk most certainly I would have trained by physique for such ordeal. I firmly held on to the metal pipe firmly making sure my foot doesn’t get stuck in the Indian closet-when my co walkers have to undergo tug-of-war trying to scoop me out. I should mention about my co walkers.-we are four of us 1} Mr.Kanakasabapathi hereafter I will call him as Mr.K. the organiser-discilplined personality,down to earth punctuality.2} Mr.SABANAYAGAM let us call him as Mr.S. sincere disciple of Mr.K.3}Mr.Kannapan aged about 80 and who has done about 8000k.m. of padayatra 4} of course none other than myself.O.K coming to the toilet drama-I managed partial load shedding without breaking the pipe-something is always better than nothing I consoled. Trekker’s club members and myself in line along white line. It was sheer joy,gossiping,teasing,pulling each other’s leg, all the time concentrating on the white line. The salem trekker’s club are just a friendly bunch, jovial lot. Disciplined by Mr.K-five of them they came by car for 18k.m, at 3 a.m just to keep company upto THOPUR our next halt-great guys-hats off to them. Donned the monkey cap,cardigan,torch and redlight flickers strapped to our back to alert the vehicles behind-walked to make sure we don’t end up with broken right leg or arm by the mad speeding vehicles. This concentration takes away all negative thoughts as we are focused on the white line and making certain, that path ahead is clear of human washouts, or any creeping snakes. I must say it has been a form of meditation –for as meditation is focused concentration I was given to understand. The invigorating cool mountain breeze-even though I was sweating underneath the monkey cap.As the SUN GOD beamed behind the mountain-the fabulous fluffy cotton wool clouds caressing and powdering the mountain after the early morning dewdrops. I have traveled this way many times but never stopped to appreciate the nature which is at its best. Of course the usual rural site in the early morning with youngsters and elders alike easing themselves at the way side- we the urbanites used to frown at the lack of civic sense, express our anger, outrage at the selfish politicians-even when public toilets are provided rural people rarely use them. O.K.when I looked at one senior man oblivious of our troop, puffing a beedi and his- come what may attitude- he just grinned at me with his edentulous mouth _ as if to remind me that no sooner I have to take up such a posture and telling me that it very simple posture. O.K. we arrived at THOPUR and we are booked to spend our night at a marriage hall till 3.a.m. –our usual starting time. When I saw the big marriage hall I was happily relieved expecting a western toilet in such big hall ,rushed first to the toilet –horribly disappointed to see Indian toilet-but by the time I opened the door the residue is ready to force its way out-only I have to do is relax the external sphincter-thank goodness total relief, latter a good breakfast as usual-had little nap. We went a Muslim Tharka-which I must say totally surprised me the complex, about 3 halls each to accomadate1000-above the total silence, the tranquility of the shrine to be seen to believe. Most of the laborers I saw were Hindus sweeping the area. people with psychiatric problem are said to be cured.I also prayed for family harmony.

DAY{4} MONDAY 26TH Nov: Stay at NALLAMPALLI, at Singaram marriage hall nothing specfic expect the hall being renovated –bang-bang by the shutter workers-the floor full of cement dust and mosquito with their lullaby-o.k.it is all in the game –I took it

Lunch puliasatham brought by Mr.Murugu while on the way to Chennai -small nap-walk up the hill for about 4k.m.

Nap no no- you can’t call them a nap because I was literally toying in the rexine spread-next of course dinner which I wasn’t really interested because my tummy has been rumbling for reason known only to it- however not to disappoint Mr. Pattabi and family I took just one-spicy to my standard-night was horrid-gas exploding both ways-vomited once-however since I have taken 5mg.of valium to make sure I get some sleep tonight –best sleep I have had so far.

DAY{5} TUESDAY 27 th Nov: Stay at farm house Mr.Patabi’s friend farm house, first at the portico and latter in the house. It is Sow Gowthami wedding day I have already sent greetings by 123 greetings. Gowthami spoke to me and I wished her the best all the way in her life.As usual up by 2 a.m-rather cold bath, walked for 13 K.M –breakfast at Puliakarai and taking rest at a farm hose portico-for I believe is the principle of Mr.K. not to sleep in a residence-waiting for break fast-mean while vinod phoned me about the inadequacy of tiles for the kerala home I will talk to Alkesh and sort it out. I must get skype working for the sake of my Netraa. Had little tummy upset-had few bulky motion-no mucus or blood-may be I have picked up amoebic-sabanayagam got me few cyclopam-better chitra and mapillai phoned and wished us happy journey.first time slept well - we didn’t go for eve.walk. I am unable to connect with internet-may be server problem. Latter the house has been opened and it was very comfy.

DAY{5} WEDNESDAY 28TH.NOV: feel better-walk for 20 k.m-completed 100k.m.so far-settled at a perumal temple.gugan brought fabulous lunch-sapathi,bread,soft drinks etc-washed the cloths tried to get some sleep. Abi phoned--.my tummy o.k. had curd rice, and lime juice. Tiles problem sorted out.gugan changed the password. unfortunately I didn’t get it –hence asked Revathy and suguna to sort it. evening walked leaving behind Suresh to look after things.Mr.saba drove the car for distance of 4k.m and then we walked for 4k.m.Mr.saba was sent back to get the car-Mr.K in a car driven by inebriated 4s-when Mr. Saba came back to take us hopefully sobre.got into sleeping bag –slept reasonably

DAY {6} THURSDAY 29th Nov: As usual 3.a.m no bath due extreme cold walk, staying at murugan temple at Agram village. Yesterday’s sapathy delicious,had banaa,pappya-setlled at a hall. As usual we decided to take a eve.walk so that we cover the distance earlier-since it was only 4.30.p.m with bright sun we didn’t take our torch or the night flickers-by 6p.m we covered about 3 k.m. and with our positive enthusiasm we o.k.ed for another k.m-Mr.K was walking about 50 ft ahead of Mr.S and myself while Mr.Kannapan was only 20ft behind Mr.K while the Bolero was about 50 ft ahead of Mr.K---with darkness slowly creeping Mr.S.with the mobile light guiding to avoid the edge of the tar road-suddenly we saw Mr.K falling down by the parapet wall by the side of the road-both Mr.S and myself yelled out in agony-by the time we reached the site Mr.K. lay unconscious-happy that his pulse volume and rate was o.k-the irony is that a bus without head light was just passing by the side of Mr.K when he fell down—naturally we presumed in our anguish that it is the bus that pushed him-or may be the youngsters who were clinging to the bar brushed him down –in our anger we blasted the driver for using the bus without head lights full of young students—o.k.time to resuscitate Mr.K and not waste time –took M.r.K to a hospital at Hosur-not satisfied shifted him to NIMHANS at Bangaluru- it was 7.30.p.m –mad crowd with accident victims in the sprawling o.p hall-waited till 2a.m to register-take C.T.scan-xray chest –luckily they were clear-kept Mr.K in the hall itself-next day contacted Dr.Partosh Pandey over phone-no problem he assures-discussed with Dr.Barat –suspicious of aneurysm- may be we need to D.S.A-I.N.R,creatinine was elevated-so DSA not advised-repeated the IND at St.Johns it was only .9 still the D.S.A not contemplated-discussed with sivabalan,sivagami and other close relative and in view of the risks decided not to push for D.S.A-managed to get single room-both forearms edematous due to extravasations of i.v.fluids-nurse wanted to start a neck line-requested the nurse to be careful at the neckline and if needed call the duty doctor-since I have seen neck line done only by the doctors –the nurse got infuriated and refused to start the line and gave the phone to duty doctor-I have explained my views-nurse calmed down and started the line at arm –spent 4 days at NIMHANS-decided against D.S.A-Mr.K also got much better and since Sivabalan,Sivagami felt that it will be better if Mr.K is shifted to Coimbatore rather than Salem. Shifted him to Ramakrishna hospital –seen by Dr.murali,Dr.balakrishnan-all well- next day performed M.R.I.-minimal haematoma at left cerebellum and frontal lobes no need or any intervention-discharged –moved to sivagami house.

THUS ENDED MY PADAYATRA IN A VERY SAD NOTE



Sad indeed,but the positive aspects of the yatra are worth it I believe. The new friendly companionship ,with good understanding all focused on our goal of reaching the abode of SRI SAI BABA AT SHRIDI –The early morning walk-the break every 6 k.m for a cup of tea,biscuits –I used to take a deep inhalation and exhale fully while walking to perfuse my heart and brain well oxygenated –this is real refreshing to the mind ,the painful experience of sleeping over a rexine spread, mosquito bites, the agony of toilet experience, all vanquished into thin air when we are focused on our goal. The early morning sun rise above the ever green mountain while the cock’s coco-ro-co welcoming the sun rise, peasants getting ready to take the farm field are not only the sites to behold but also to experience –as OSHO puts it “Meditation is not an activity but a life style”. Somehow while walking I was always positive, absolutely no negative thoughts entered my mind



The morale I have learnt is that, “I asked for all things that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things” we are all puppets enacting a drama in the planet earth .I take it as a blessing that unfortunate accident happened near Bangalore- if such accident happened further north –not conversant with the language, hospitals we would have been in deep trouble. All is well that ends well



Thursday 9 August 2012

LIVING A LIFE

LIVING A LIFE.


This phrase oft quoted by philosophers, spiritual speakers,gurus and others always intrigued,fascinated, me beyond the understanding of true meaning .As I understand human body is a architecture marvel designed by GOD and which is kept going with regular breathing, blood circulating, with decay of cells, and regular replenishment of new cells.In due course the decayed cells are not completely replaced and hence we age with wrinkled skin, memory loss, defective vision,hearing impairment etc.This way our anatomical body has lived physiologically, until we meet with the eventuality .
Then what is living a life ,? Is it life well lived? What is well lived?Can we say that going through daily mundane drudgery of getting up,brushing,shaving,bathing,time for breakfast,drive to workstation {as for me out patient clinic,operating for more than 45 years}is a life well lived ? No doubt that I derived immense pleasure with my surgical work day in and a day out.The diagnostic challenge, the surprise at times at the operating table,above all developing a good rapport with the patients and the relatives are very demanding but at the end of the day it is very soul satisfying Many a times my patients spotted me after many years at a social gathering and when they say hello, I tell you it the best prize we get and which I enjoyed it most.No other profession can boast of such faithful remembrance After nearly 5 decades I was reminded of the quote “If you are doing same thing what you have been doing all these years you will get what you have already got”
Yes, I lived happily with my regular surgical work,enjoying every moment, but I thought if I continue the same work then I will only exist doing the same mundane work and not live a LIFE- I am reminded of BUDDHA’S words ‘TO BE BORN AS A HUMAN IS AS RARE AS A MORNING STAR”
Hence decided to take an alternative lifestyle, disengaging from surgical career ,to live LIFE fully again. As we live we seek pleasure which is momentary,-happiness which is short lived,- and contentment which is blissful rapture. To achieve this contentment we have to live a life with a purpose and not just go through the mundane chorus of daily routine. Now this leads us to a question What is purpose? When I toyed with the idea to find the meaning of purpose I stumbled upon many words which have amazingly four letters.

The three basic most important elements in our LIFE are MIND,BODY and SOUL must act in harmony with a singular purpose to achieve a GOAL and which is contentment . Easily said than done, for it is the most difficult exercise to get this three elements to come into understanding and be in harmony but not impossible . SOUL warns against smoking but the BODY obliges the MIND and picks up the cigarette .It is said that MIND is a wonderful servant but a terrible master Rishis meditating achieved it with the power of silence. Sure not all of us can become rishis- although we may attempt for the three elements to work in harmony- but How? Let us see.!

THE POWER OF MIND:

We are all aware that if we don’t control the MIND it will control
us .MIND is the power house of thoughts and which leads to our words and action.If the mind is not positively occupied it tends to dwell with negative thoughts brooding over the past, worried about the future. Worrisome thoughts must be nipped in the bud or else it will become monumental, draining the energy day in and day out .At such instances get out , to get some fresh air with deep breathing and try to spilt the problem with intuitive thinking rather than rational thinking. To get out of the focus of negativity push yourself to think positively for another subject –say watching the moving clouds, appreciating the color of rainbow, stillness of the lake, the army of birds flying in unison back to their nests all these are nature’s gift and feast for the soul, thereby we are able to get out of the mental clutter and clear the cobwebs .Positive thoughts are vibrant, energizing, inspiring to proceed to realize our dream Once we train our MIND to listen to the voice of the SOUL cigarettes are no longer desired and the BODY will not touch the cigarettes
MIND is the greatest gift GOD has bestowed us. Such positive thinking will enhance our self-esteem, courage,confidence. It has been observed that a average person thinks about 60000 thoughts per day. 95% of thoughts are repetitive, out of this most are negative thoughts.

Now what is this MIND? Does it has a form, shape? In which part of the brain MIND dwells? No one knows for sure, even though we claim to posses MIND we are at loss to answer all queries about MIND. One thing for sure is that human MIND can discriminate between good and bad thoughts,events,actions whereas the animal and birds lack this unique ability.
MIND is the greatest gift GOD has bestowed on us and we must nourish it with positive thoughts otherwise MIND will be clouded with weeds. All our words,actions,first originates in the MIND as blue print thoughts .

Down memory lane in my LIFE there are few instances which are evergreen in my memory and I believe, then I have lived those moments.
1} When I failed in my first year in the medical college it was a lesson for me, that is when I decided to take my studies seriously. I lived then with a new experience
2} While in U.K. for my studies due to work load and living away from family, stressed and had a G.I. bleed. I summoned up all my will power,courage and decided to fight it alone without telling my family at home. It is then I believe I lived with a different experience.
3} in the year 1990 my mother developed aneurysm of a vessel in the brain, and the day prior to operation she died .My father,two sisters,and brother cried uncontrollably –me being the eldest in the family , bottled all my emotions to take care of them and also arrange to transport the body back home. Reaching our ancestral home the bottled emotions burst and I cried uncontrollably . That is when I believe I lived with a different experience

4}After retirement I have established a home for senior care and ever since I can feel myself being molded as a different person ,limiting my expectations,accepting other’s views, and above all developed the art of listening to elders’s grievances .I don’t claim to be empathetic but at best compassionate towards them. Now I am not existing in LIFE but living a LIFE .Certainly it is very demanding and challenging career dealing with elders,their grievances, expectations, but at the end of the day I am happy I chose such twilight LIFE.Now I have learnt my purpose in LIFE

Now as I am typing I believe I am living, creating a new avenue with a perspective to recharge my brain

Well so much has been written by eminent scholars, philosophers’ spiritual leaders –now my MIND says enough is enough.

Let me take up the next dimension the BODY

BODY is the temple in which the SOUL resides
As much as we take care of the mind we have to take care of the BODY as well.The most vital aspect to keep the BODY in sound shape, is regular exercise which helps us to burn extra calories,driving away fatigue,laziness ,rejuvenating to become vibrant.Early morning brisk walk is very helpful – that is time we are able to breathe fresh unpolluted air. Another most important aspect is YOGA, which in addition to making the body supple helps the MIND to be focused. Focusing the MIND is the prerequisite for meditation which takes us to the inner journey of self realization without being disturbed by outward influences

Let me pass on to the next vital ingredient which is exclusive to humans is SOUL.This is most perplexing –Do we know what is this SOUL? Where does it remain? Is it the same as subconscious or super conscious? I s the MIND and SOUL are one and the same?
Certainly not- for we all know that MIND does not always listen to the SOUL and decides with its whims and fancy which are mostly harmful to others and self as well. MIND and BODY must work in harmony for enlightenment which is what all of us trying to achieve. Is that possible? I am at loss to offer any answer but narrate some of my views of other four lettered words

FOOD: No need for me to elaborate on the essentialist of FOOD to maintain life. One aspect I wish to emphasize all the ingredients carbohydrate,proteins,fat,minerals, vitamins etc must be in balance
To really enjoy the food it must be eaten slowly,well masticated and swallowed with total concentration. This is meditation in eating –after all meditation is focusing on whatever we do. Poor quality food drains our energy,and clouds our MIND .Live uncooked food are more energetic and rejuvenating .

LOVE : Every human wish to be loved by all –this is a basic desire. To achieve this I feel that we have to love ourselves first and next we must love whatever our work is . To quote Thomas Edison who recorded 1093 patents “I never did a day’s work in my life time.It was all fun” We need to accept people as they are and not as we wish them to be. Every human being is different and no one is perfect.Being critical of others leads to hatred and destruction of self and friendship.

READ: Reading is to the MIND what exercise is to the BODY and what prayer is to the SOUL.When we read a book it must be studied in depth, contents analyzed, with introspective thoughts. It is only then we have studied the book .Autobiography books by eminent scholars,philosophers,scientists will guide us as to how they were able to overcome difficult times in their LIFE and their strategies could as well applied in our LIFE.The inspirational words will awaken our dormant abilities, characters, to spring back to LIFE. The one book I read and reread often is Reader’s digest condensed book ‘How to live with life”, Reflections by Akbar Ali Jetha,”Inspirational gems to empower your life” By Patel.”In the power of silence” by Vijay Easwaran, Most of the books by Robin Sharma, “ The life of Vivekananda”, “The art of Happiness”-An intriguing encounter between east and west by Howard Cutler. etc and many more inspirational books which have truly charged me to look into myself and more than that, my positive outlook about others.

TIME: Let me type down the poem I have written long time back about TIME
The most precious jewel in our LIFE
That magical number 24
Once lost can never be regained
From one sun rise to another
No room for expansion
Nor to curtail
One and only four letter word TIME
No TIME to procrastinate
Act now to make a purpose in LIFE
Categorizing work to suit your LIFE style
Cellphone,voice mail,e-mail to save TIME,
TIME for everything and any thing
Eat while you eat
Work while you work
Play while you play
3 in 1 all round chaos
TIME to do nothing
Remain in silence
Introspect to rejuvenate
To a journey within
Waste no TIME to say
I am sorry, Thank you,
Take no TIME to forgive
For next sunrise not to be
Forgiveness –good house keeper of the MIND
Dirt, hatred, ego, anger all washed away
Ensure all round peaceful sleep
Wake up to fresh sunrise
Recharge the MIND with prayer and meditation

PRAY: Let me quote Tennyson’s words,” More things are wrought by prayer than these world dreams of”. Prayer is the most powerful energy by which MIND, BODY and SOUL assemble in harmony. Miracles are nothing but answer to the prayer. Prayer has the healing power. I am ardent believer in prayer, and pray, for me to deliver my best while operating –and when I am concentrating in the operation I believe then, I am living and not just existing.
As our MAHATMA GANDHI said”Prayer should be our first choice rather than our last resort” Does Prayer change things? No! Prayer change people,and people change things.-Burton Hillis.

GIVE:HELP: These two four lettered words have more or less denotes the good ,one has done for others. Givers and helpers in return receive the goodness in abundance.When my patients spot me at social functions after many years and enquire about my welfare I am living then,and not just existing .Also when students send SMS on doctors day,happy birth day I am living then with pride and happiness and not existing as anatomical body, with physiological functions

HOPE: All of us hope only to get the best in everything. It is when my left thumb got cut and when it took a long time to heal I hoped to take up surgery.I lived with such hope and thankfully I got into medical profession. Lived with the HOPE and dream and became a surgeon.Living with my HOPE further I qualified as surgeon from Edinburgh university in spite of all the hardships which I have endured, enriching my HOPE and dream every day
HOPE and dream are not just enough, we have set a GOAL and to attain our GOAL we have to meticulously PLAN,setting priorities. As we do that daily on a regular basis and assessing the progress it then I believe we are living rather than just existing

EARN: SAVE: In my profession I have earned enough ,acquired basic materialistic comforts and SAVED enough CASH to take care of myself and wife in our second innings.

WILL: As my hair line receding ,with wrinkled skin I am still living with never ending HOPE,wanting to set new goals. yes it is time for me to write a WILL to make things easier for my children .After more than seven decades in this planet I have learnt to listen to others and most importantly l am learning to forgive which is rather mind-boggling –hopefully I will live and be able to clear the cobweb clutter.

Now I am living happily with my family, looking after the retirement home I have established, and also spending time in my farm trying out new things like vermicomposting, tree planting, goat farming etc. So long I keep exploring new avenues I will continue to LIVE thanking almighty for HIS benevolence

Am I living a life? A big yes I am living a life and not just existing

Thursday 23 February 2012

Refletions of a day in my consulting chamber

REFLCTIONS OF A DAY IN MY CONSULTING CHAMBER


Good morning Doc.

Good morning Shantha.. Nice to see you after nearly 10 years

It is sweet of you to remember my name after a long time

[said to myself : I cannot let her down of appreciating my memory –for I got her name from the data base given by my secretary earlier}

Thank you. How can I help you this time?

I have this back and neck pain on and off but it is o.k with the tablet. It is the nagging tummy that I am worried about. My friend’s father had the same problem and it turned out to be cancer.

Just then her mother

I will tell you doc.she lives at Bangaluru,sharing a room with herfriends, doesn’t eat properly, sleep less,watch t.v.
I am also concerned so we did a master check up.

She produces a big file for me to go through. I received the file and kept aside.

Have you brought the old report and the discharge summary?

IT has been a longtime and since we changed the house- some how the file is missing
But I have the tablets which I take now and then

Show me the prescription

So sorry that too is not with me

O.k. let me see what you have

She produces two strips of empty blister packs the prints over the glistening foil couldn’t be read.

Why do you keep them?

The doctor told me to take whenever I have pain at the back.

How do you buy them without the prescription?

Oh!.my chemist recognizes the foil and gives the medicines

I am left speechless by the way some patients treasure the opened foil pack without any
Concern for the doctor’s prescription or discharge summary

Mother : They told us that nothing wrong with the tests but I will be happy for you to go through the results and give your opinion.

Sure but let me examine you first

But Doc they have already diagnosed as peptic disease. I cannot understand why I get this because I don’t eat citrus fruits

O.k. my dear if you could clarify certain points

What is your working time?

8am to 9pm

What time you get up?

By 6 or 6.30am take the company bus by 7-15am and reach office by 8am

How about your bowel habits?

Oh! I manage it alright, .take the news paper or some reading material, spend about 15 mins, by the time I manage to evacuate.

Don’t you have a better place for reading?

Sure it is the time factor at my disposal. It works out as 2-in-1 at the toilet

Do you feel empty?

Mostly, but some times I have a second do at the office

O.k tell me about your diet habits.

I usually skip breakfast. It is usually bread, fried eggs at the office for the brunch, and for dinner I buy from KFC or make some noodles at my room
By the by ,Doc I have this nagging pain at the back and neck. Why is that?

What do you do for that?

I take this tablet producing a chemist receipt

I am amazed and floored again by the way patients preserve the receipt rather than the
Prescription.!!!! Are they going to get the money refunded? I wonder!!

How often you take them.

Almost every other day, then only I am able to concentrate with the sys tem.

Do you keep a writing pad?

No way, working with the system I have to lean forward..

O.k my dear let me examine you.

Just tell me Doc what is peptic disease? What should I do? Is it cancer?

Just relax and take the couch.

Mother : let the doctor examine you dear.

As I proceeded with my routine, with inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation Shantha was in no mood to co-operate for she wants a one word answer to her peptic disase..she couldn’t understand my reason looking at her tongue,eyes,status of her oral hygiene . When I auscultated her tummy she thought for a moment I made a mistake by listening to the tummy rather than her heart..
When I wanted to do a rectal exam she declined initially but after persuasion by her mother and proper screening she agreed. She had severe tenesmus and skin tag which is a tell tale feature fissure-in-ano. Rectal exam was painful but I had no choice. After a few 10 mins in the couch she felt better and eased herself to the chair. Meanwhile I browsed through the file and found nothing alarming except antral gastritis,+ve for H-pylori and E.H cyst in the motion.

O.K doc what is the score? It is not cancer or is it ? do be frank. I will take it..

Relax my dear first believe yourself and then believe me. 100% it is not cancer I assure you.

Are you sure?

Yes believe me.

Mother : thank God I am relieved..

Then what is it doc?

Yes you have peptic disease and what I call, as I.T SYNDOME

Exactly what is it?

It is a combination of upper gastric disturbances, constipation, backache, worry and may even lead to depression

Why? I even avoid citrus fruits.

It is due to your life style, food habits, stress, frequent intake of pain killing drugs .
No doubt you are making a fat income only to spend all in the next few decades for health care.

Mother: O.k doc what is you answer to her problem ?

First let me deal with the nagging peptic disease

1} Never skip breakfast. You are breaking overnight fast and that is reason it is called breakfast. Skipping will lead to obesity and the sequela
2} avoid deep fried foods, masala, foods saturated with oil and pain killing drugs etc
3}help yourself with good quantity of. Vegetables, greens, fruits, and some dried fruits
And liberal vol.of water
4} regarding your constipation, my advise is to stick to BILOGICAL CLOCK i.e sleep while you feel sleepy, eat when you feel hungry, pass urine when you feel like so,daefecate when you feel so

NEVER EVER NONE OF THESE SHOULD BE FORCED

5} never go to the toilet straight from the bed. Drink a glass of warm water, coffee or tea
For the bowel to set in motion of propagative waves to expel the matter. This is called gastrocolic reflux. Wait for the urge to be felt at the bottom-then you will completely empty without straining .PLEASE DON’T TAKE READING MATERIALS TO THE TOILET.

Mother : in fact she has a cupboard in the toilet.

First get rid of the cupboard

O.K doc but how about my backache?

It is mainly postural. Sit well back in the chair, with the back well supported, use a writing pad wherever possible. Don’t; lean forward..
Also keeps your back relaxed while driving a two wheeler
You are also little overweight at 75 kg. Shedding a few kg also will help.
Early morning walk for ½ hr will help to reduce weight.

But Doc ,I have just enough time to catch the bus and reach the office by 8a,m

You have to get up ½ hr earlier- that way you still have your 24hrs..

Mother :I have been telling her. These days, they don’t listen to us.
Why don’t you give some good medicines?

As said earlier stick BIOLOGICAL CLOCK, avoid junk foods, eat liberal fruits, greens
Keep upright posture while driving and at the work station. Make it habit to walk 5km a day. Avoid pain killing drugs.. As for specific medication, take a course of anti amoebic drugs.

Mother : thank you doc I am relieved it is not cancer. Hope she follows your advice.

Shantha : thanks a lot doc. I will try to follow your instructions.

You better. Do keep intouch reg.your progress

EPILOGUE :

1} Choose your family physician, and let him examine and order for relevant tests
And refrain from choosing for master check up your self . The symptoms are better narrated from the horse’s mouth rather than the anxious relatives

2}Keep a health file with all the tests done earlier,and discard old used foil blister packs

3}Do not buy medicines across the counter

4}Stick to biological clock—eat when you feel hungry, sleep when you feel sleepy, evacuate the bowel only after you get the urge

5} Avoid reading at the toilet.

6}Keep a straight back always when using the system

Wednesday 1 February 2012

finding a fault in others

Finding a fault in others is not a fault by itself. The fault is how we react to the fault of others. All of us have committed a fault sometime in our life journey. No one is immune. If we react with harsh, unparlimentary words we are not only insulting the fault maker but also the anger and stress is harmful to our health.. None of us like to be hurt that way. When we underestimate others it amounts overestimating ourselves. This is reflection of EGO [EDGING GOD OUT}. The letters stands for the three fingers middle, ring and little fingers pointing at us when the index finger is pointing at the fault maker
As a human instinct all of us expect words of appreciation. If only we choose words to suggest that the particular work or action could have been successful if done in an alternative way then we are not only suggesting a new approach to the problem but also not injuring ourselves. If the employee is not correcting himself then it is better he is shown the door, rather than abusing him. It is oft said that if the student fails the teacher fails worse. At home parents and grand parents should act as role model for the children. We must also learn to live with the flow of live

When we condemn others but excuse ourselves for the mistake that amounts to cheating
Forgiveness dissolves the compulsive need to prove ourselves right. Forgiveness is a good house keeper of the mind

Friday 27 January 2012

Advance booking before birth and after death

ADVANCE BOOKING BEFORE BIRTH AND AFTER DEATH

Advance booking for birth is more often done by the family priest, astrloger, rather than GOD. The woman is wheeled into the theatre and caesarian section is done at prefixed time. Latter advance thinking has to be done reg.schooling, career, and choice of profession etc. One has to book in advance for air or rail ticket, book a hotel room or even to get dharsan at Tirupathi lord Venkateswara and for the laddu prasadam.All these types of advance booking is acceptable these days of fast and competitive life .

Recently two events or episodes has prompted me to pen my ramblings

FIRST:: one 60+ patient was admitted with a massive heart attack—unrecordable B.P., low thready pulse. He was resuscitated with intubation, inotropic agents, --his parameters improved but still critical.. Next day he became worse and was put on intra aortic balloon and cardiac pacemaker. With that support he was kept alive for second day. All the time the crowded relatives were informed periodically about his progress or deterioration. The relatives had divided opinion as to continue the treatment or call it off.. On the first day itself the relatives at his native place were informed about the status of the patient. They have made elaborate arrangement to receive the body. While the patient was struggling in the hospital and the relatives were divided to continue or disconnect as a form of passive euthanasia. The relatives at the native village have already booked the crematorium which will take the last body at 4p.m.and hence repeated calls from them as to when the body is coming.
This also is understandable.

These days of fast food culture, stress at work, addiction to alcohol, smoking increasing traffic accidents, avoiding seat belt, and helmet, Are we not advance booking our exit ticket


SECOND: this really is intriguing. We have a Tamil daily which posts most the obituaries of the nearby city and villages. As soon as one is dead the relatives rush to book a space in the paper. This also I accept. Often we see a obituary ad about the 12th or 14 death anniversary. Depending on their finance half or quarter page with photo is published. Once I saw an ad reg.12 anniversary of person whose grand son I knew and asked him How come you are regularly posting the obituary anniversary news? To which he said Oh. No. we have given advance standard instruction to the ad, agency so that we get the ad .space in time. Even if we forget he will send the bill. Death anniversary is a family affair to be solemnized with remembrance, gratitude .why should it be regularly advertised year after year. How long to continue? Should the memory be made public?



My ramblings are not intended to offend, down size, degrade the love, the respect of children for their parents .