The case for spirituality

As funny as it may sound there is a case for spirituality even when we're dealing with mundane things in the business world. When a complex set of functions or mechanisms seemingly operate on their own, juxtaposed and geared in a complex mechanism, it can seem difficult to understand how things will turn out, and invariably cause us to lose confidence in what we're meant to do. It is in these scenarios that some spiritual inclination, training or knowledge can be a great support, because thats how life in general works. By itself.

When dealing with real world troubles, it helps to recognize that we're not in control of things the way we believed we were. We're harnessed... we're floating kites at the end of a string, given all the evidence in the world, yet we try and break free, we try and rip the thread without the use of our hands, by simply gaping at it in frustration. We do not see reality for what it is, despite the most obvious truths that stare us in the face.

Ironically, I've observed that spirituality, like most things is a calling. You can not cultivate an interest in it, at least not one sufficiently strong to be impacted by the knowledge contained therein.

I often think that most of our real problems simply become mitigated in intensity if we have some element of spirituality in ourselves. If nothing else, it helps us deal with ourselves a lot better than if we were constantly trying to dodge the bullets we cannot see. India's contribution to the world is really invaluable.

such a beautiful song ... and so well sung.

Of SanFranciscan Conversations, Chinese Soccer in the park, and Pakistani Naans.

Nothing particularly special about what turned out to be a wonderful day... just the little things. Packed with work, but not the deadline terrible kind where you're wondering if you're doing it right.

Nice conversations with a stranger on an interoffice shuttle. Then a good productive meeting. Then more nice conversations with the bus driver and a San Franciscan (these San Franciscan's are often the friendliest folks I've met).

Then comes the treat.

Back in my hotel room, I change into my gym outfit and head for the elevator. A couple of Chinese guys walk up, one of them wearing soccer shoes. I'm usually quite talkative here these days so I say

"Soccer! Are you guys going to play somewhere?"

The two guys enthusiastically mumble something in English which is beyond my comprehension, given their accents are very strong, but on the elevator ride down, I gather they are going to play at a park nearby. I'm carrying my gloves for the gym (OCD is hard to beat) and am on the fence here. They say they're just going to kick it around and get some exercise.

I'm sold. I ask if I can join them. They're super excited to have one more guy to play with. I follow their car and we arrive at the ground. They open the boot of their car and get the ball out. They then hand me a water bottle (what exquisite manners). We then spend almost 90 minutes just kicking it around, in a bright sun, on a perfect green rolling lawn.

I thank them and leave. They insist I should join them on Tuesday and Thu for their noon games and in the evenings.

I promise them I'd try. The 90 minutes I spent running around the turf in the setting sun are probably some of the best so far on this trip.

Soccer really unites!!!! Thank you China!!!!

To end the day I decide to go to Madras Cafe, a restaurant I visited on one of my previous visits here but haven't been to this time. A Tamil reference on anything is going to get me every time. So far the veg fare at Chipotles, Mediterranean restaurants and the Panda Express having been serving me just fine. I reach the Madras Cafe to find it closed. Bummer!

On my trip back I spot something called the Shalimar - Indian and Pakistani cuisine. I'm in a venturesome kind of mood - conversations, football and all so I venture. I order the palak paneer and a naan. The naan is delicious. I get another one. These naans are just so much better than any naan I've ever had.

Intrigued, while paying, I ask the nice young man who seems either Indian or Pakistani if the restaurant is indeed Pakistani. He pauses, drops his head a little, smiles and says quietly "Yessss" with the "sss" meant as a brace indicating his own uncertainty at the question and what I might say next. I reassure him that the only reason I asked him the question was because the naans here were so much better than at any Indian restaurant. He looks relieved and says that several people have said as much. I thank him. He thanks me for saying nice things. I promise to return to try the staple paneer butter masala. I ask him if he has a black dal. He doesn't. He apologizes. I urge him to add it to the menu. He suggests a bunch of other veg dishes on a photo catalog. I smile. The photos aren't great. I walk out, drive back home and turn on Adele on youtube - she thinks we could've had it all. I ruminate, then nod gravely. I blog. You read. I stop blogging and go to sleep. You get on with your life. We all feel better. Thanks for reading. Thank you Pakistan for the Naans!!!! You guys were almost as nice as the Chinese to me today :) but soccer rules over food, however strange that may sound.

Everytime I visit the US I discover a song or artist. This time it's Adele. Not the greatest songwriter or lyricist ever, but a voice that stands our like a church bell.

Spent the day at Santa Cruz beach. A glorious day, and a beach full of people at their relaxed best. Life really is wonderful if you live here. The streets have all been decorated with Residential Parking only signs which is a huge plus for people who live here. Without it, they'd be overrun by tourists. The day was spectacular and I walked around the beach back and forth feeling a little stupid in my clothes which included jeans and a T-shirt, while everyone else was in beach trunks and bikinis. As a stupid Indian I have to stand out wherever I go, I guess. Have to live up to stereotypes, haven't we? Shouldve bought my beach clothes ... oh wait. I live in Bangalore and the only water we get is when the streets are flooded after a torrential rain.

I gazed at the waves like I always do. They are hypnotic, completely transcending the focus of reality. Time has slipped by, and so quickly. How can the past be lassoed?

Haven't really worked on my writing in the last 4 weeks. It is a pity. I thought I'd have time during this trip, but its been anything but characterized by equanimity - too much work, too many emotions, too little rest and sparkling bursts of surprises here and there.

Have been trying to resume my workouts here. Been hitting the treadmill for 3o minute, 2.5 mile jogs. Resumed weight training which really is something I feel I should have never stopped, if only for its ability to improve will power and focus. Just hope I can continue.

Finished reading The Mountain Path (a Ramanashramam publication) and almost done reading Advaitic Sadhana by the same press. Both excellent reads. Haven't got to reading B.K.S. Iyengar's Light on Pranayama yet. Very technical book, from the looks of it.

Miss the food, miss the time to breathe during weekdays. Miss my friends and miss my family. Miss the years between 2005 and 2008 as always. Surely, the best and the worst years of my life.

Life's like that :)

Talking to an old friend who said ..

"you know back then, I thought you'd be very successful"

Me: "I never thought about being successful, but I never thought I'd fail so badly at everything"