SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN - THE BROOM STICK

In the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan the lowly broom stick in all shapes and sizes has found a pride of place and has become the toast of the country. Since 2nd October thousands upon thousand of pictures and videos has been uploaded and doing rounds in cyber space, wherein the wielding broom sticks stand out.

Individuals and Organizations have made efforts to come out and be seen, but the task ahead is not easy and the lowly broom sticks are up and against a formidable foe, which requires a sustained herculean effort and focus all year round.

The lowly broom sticks which we have proudly wielded is pitted against the following reality :

In our cities and towns nearly one third of the garbage is not collected at all - it is just left to rot away and streets and alleys. So in a year,  more than 14 million tons of garbage is left to rot in urban Indian streets.

The 70 % that is collected is taken and dumped either in landfills or just any open spaces available outside the main habitation. Only about 18 % of collected garbage is treated for recycle or made fuel.

The other dimension of sanitation for which our wielding broom sticks is no match is sewage or waste water disposal.

More than 26 billion litres is getting dumped into our streams and rivers daily. In the four metros out of 16 billions litres of sewage generated per day only 8 billions get treated.

The above are the hard facts and our wielding broom sticks are no match. Now that photos and videos have been shared, we have to turn our attention and focus on the real issues.

It is not that Swachh Bharat is merely a dream, it is viable and achievable and many countries with the help of modern low cost waste management technologies have made a noticeable change in the living conditions of their citizens and the environment of their country.

We have become selfish and self centred - and this is a real issue. People spend lakhs on their homes and offices, but have scant regard, when it comes to taking care of their immediate neighborhood.

Now that the wielding  broom sticks have been captured in pictures and videos, and confined in a corner and will soon be forgotten, I am sharing with readers some insights received from science of epigenetics.

I fervently hope that after reading it, you will be motivated to make the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a sustained and life long effort, as we all are the ones who will be benefited.

QUOTE:  'While the media made big hoopla over the discovery of the BRCA 1 & 2 breast cancer genes, they failed to emphasize that 95 % of breast cancers are not due to inherited genes. The malignancies in a significant number of cancer patients are derived from environmentally induced epigenetic alterations and not defective genes.  ( Book Ref: The Biology of Belief - Dr. Bruce Lipton)

Now on reading this, it will surely make you run in the corner, pick up the broom stick and wield it all year round. ( Not in the literal sense, but it will motivate you to spend your time, your resource, more important your expertise, in helping to keep the environment clean ) Environment is an all encompassing term. It is indeed in the best interest of each and every one of us. This is just but one example.

Now let me share with readers another insight, as to why SBA will make you into a better person, a complete full filled person.

The following excerpts are taken from a recent article - ' Two kinds of Happiness ( One is Bad for You) by Deepak Chopra MD.

Read on : ' Happiness results in two types of well being. One is ' eudaimonic well being'  ( eudaimon in Greek means happiness) this happiness derived well being is a direct result of life lived with a purpose and meaning, and shows positive results in our immune cells.

Which,  in the context of my 'write up' simply put - wielding the broom stick all year round, will make your cells - there are approx: 37 trillion cells in your body more healthy  !! So SBA  is in our personal interest. 

Read on : ' On the other hand 'hedonic well being' is the result of happiness, which is dependant on consumerism, and burst of pleasure arising out from acquiring.

Now here comes the bouncer :  Hedonic well being ( hedon in Greek means pleasure) fared worse than unhappy people in the genetic expression of their immune cells, showing tendency towards inflammation and less ability to fight viruses.

Both type of happiness have the same high level of positive emotion, but one is good for you, and the other is not. It is upto us to decide. We can fool ourselves that we are happy, but our genes know better.

Inflammation of cells has been connected with a wide range of disorders from heart disease to cancer and now is leading suspect of chronic illness in general.

The Spiritual path has for ages described two paths of well being - the path of wisdom and the path of pleasure.

So I conclude by saying SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN has provided us an option  to choose a holistic well being path  for our selves, our family and the citizens of India. JAI HIND !!

   

AQL - IN FATEMI PHILOSOPHY

THE ONLY IMPORTANT THING IN A BOOK IS THE MEANING IT HAS FOR YOU' 

W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM 

A PHILOSOPHICAL DISCOURSE by 

HIS HOLINESS DR. SAYEDNA TAHER SAIFUDDIN MOULA

with a commentary by 

Dr. Y.Najmuddin Saheb - Ameerul Jamea 

A.B. S.D.T. D. LITT

The book consists of 177 verses ( two volumes) It deals with AQL  in man , which broadly defined bears refrence to the intellectual capacity in man. 

Fatemi Philosophy is the result of a distinct thought process, and is not as is erroneously assumed, to be treated as an offspring of Greek and Persian Philosophy.

Fatemi thinkers have a characteristic approach, different from others, and in this way have made a significant contribution in this field of knowledge. 

Imam Ahmad al Mastur (S.A.) in his famous book 'Ikhwan el Safa' conceives philosophy as a three tired pyramid. The three tiers are as follows:

1. Love of Sciences 

2. The comprehension of the facts of Creation to the best of human ability.

3. Practise by words and deeds of the knowledge so gained. 

AQL  is a 'substance' having lofty status. It is not a form or a phase that comes over a thing. In human being AQL is a spiritual entity as distinguished from the physical and represents the quintessence of the soul of man. It is not a mere attribute. Its existence is not by accident, but it is the Creation of Allah.

'AQL  in man is in need of light

which radiates from higher luminous stage'

Man being endowed with AQL, his problem is not survival alone, but also more important, his emancipation was to be provided for, through the intervention of light from the Higher Source. 

AQL  in man inherently bears the capacity of ascending to the highest degree of perfection, through the process of discipline, conditioning, and absorbing the 'radiant grace' emanating from the Higher Source. 

' Al AQL  in man is like an elixir

Which would turn his copper into gold'

In man - the baser metal is that tainted and degenerated part of the original Creation, now existing in the form of a potentiality 

The same has to be first cleansed and purified through the faithful observation of the Kitab and shariat. 

The knowledge and the light of the 'radiant Grace' absorbed by AQL  constitutes the elixir. The process of spiritual alchemy is finally successfully completed by the Alchemist, who has described himself as the  ' City of Knowledge' of which Ali is the Gateway. 

'AQL  is beset by numerous perils

Like haughtiness, tyranny and domination' 

Pride by itself is not an undesirable or unworthy attitude. It is good or bad depending on how AQL is stimulated by it. Man should ever be on guard to see that these calamities are avoided. 

'If you ponder with AQL  over atomic energy

You will know the omnipotence of the Provider of such energy.'

Consider the smallest unit of Creation, so that the power of the largest in it may be comprehended.

The spirit of search and enquiry of men of science and the glory of their achievements in liberating the atom - endeavor to realize the power of the Creator. 

Just as an atom - the ultimate particle capable of independent existence is capable of releasing energy of a force and power, even so the soul of man - a speck of Allah's Creation, after discipline, purification, and the absorption of the 'radiant Grace' acquires so fantastic power, as to propel it self to the pinnacle  of evolution, the highest perfection.       

THE VICTIM VIRUS

'THE ONLY IMPORTANT THING IN A BOOK IS THE MEANING IT HAS FOR YOU' 

W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM 

The victim virus - the suffering addiction. 

The role of playing a victim is an addiction very harmful, as it leads to physical, mental and emotional misery.

The chronic complaining state creates inner contractions, that prevent essential energies from flowing as they should, and drain our vital forces. 

According to the Law of Attraction and its principles, when we act act the victim, we are bound to attract to us persons and situations, that will make us suffer. So stop complaining and start accepting and honoring WHAT IS and see your life change for the better. 

Studies have proved that when you are calm, quiet and at peace with your self, the frontal lobes of your brain are activated, this is the area of the brain, where creativity and the ability to make innovative decisions are lodged. 

When you are stressed out, the blood stream abandons the frontal area of the brain, and concentrates in the back part of the brain, where past survival lessons, flight and fight responses learnt long time ago are aroused. These are termed as negative emotional charge, detrimental to your total well being. 

When we go through any inner tension, we usually make unconscious decisions based on such ideas as "I am not good enough"  or " I won't be able to do it". These decisions are tinted with negative perception of ourselves and, if we believe in it, it leaves its imprint on our energy field and conducts our life. 

In his book 'The Biology of Beliefs' Dr. Bruce Lipton shows us scientifically, how environmental stimulates 'triggers' intracellular proteins, and it is these proteins that enact the DNA. In this way the cancer gene lies dormant until the environment stimulates it. He points that to fully support cellular health we can no longer ignore the role of consciousness and that includes our own thinking. 

So it can be surmised that our thinking affects are cellular health to a great degree. Dr. Lipton explains that cellular health, growth, and reproduction respond favorably to thoughts of love and harmony, whereas the so called negative thoughts create the opposite in us. 

So in order to have a healthy thriving cellular body, we should start by having  positive thoughts, learning to pursue a life of calm and contentment, and accepting WHAT IS. 

Book Ref:  Memory in the Cells - Luis Angel Dias.  

THE BIOCENTRIC UNIVERSE

One thing leads to another. Registered my self  to attend Hay House World Summit 2014, and in the process, got connected with the Hay House Face Book Community and stumbled upon BIOCENTRISIM  - a concept proposed in 2007 by Dr. Robert Lanza - a Scientist working in the field of regenerative medicine and biology - and got hooked.

One thing is certain. If you are focused and your seeking is pure and unadulterated - exiting things will be revealed to you.

Biocentricity involves a shift in the interpretation of Scientific knowledge, that may lead to new, better and holistic understanding of the beginning of the Universe. Dr. Robert Lanza's theory has evoked a mixed response from the Peers of the Scientific Community.

But for a layman like me, I foresee in near future a quantum leap in the understanding of the Creation of the Universe, from the outdated and crude Darwinian Theory - a leap that lands Science in the all embracing arms of Spirituality, which has been there for ages.

What I have understood is that Science has mellowed from its heydays, and now, with recent discoveries and cutting edge researches, especially in the field of quantum physics, the leading scientific community is, in fact helping a great deal in our understanding of the Spiritual Truths, which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Gnostics, whose influence was felt mostly in the first and second century AD, identified the FIRST CAUSE - the True God as residing in the Pleroma (The Fullness) beyond space, time and causation, while material reality, is the creation of emanated beings,  the Intelligences.

Gita says : ‘Brahman, without beginning, Supreme, beyond what is and beyond what is not’

Max Plank, the god father of quantum theory says: ‘ I regard consciousness as primary and matter as derivative of consciousness’

The belief in a divine power dominated world thought, until 400 years ago, when scientific discoveries, and philosophical skepticism, began to shake faith. The theories and writings of Rene Descartes – Karl Marx – Charles Darwin - Fredrick Nietzsche , seemed to sink humankind into a slough of despair. Humanity had seemed to have lost direction. But science also proved to be a false god, and the world view left many despondent.

Till the beginning of 20th Century Spirituality was being assailed from all sides. On April 8, 1966, Time Magazine – an oracle of American Opinion, asked in boldfaced red “Is God Dead ?

However, in the later part of the 20th Century, with rapid advance in super computing, powerful telescopes, world wide Internet, and cutting edge discoveries in all fields of science, the Spiritual Truths were now being rediscovered, so to say, with scientific knowledge.

Dr. Mani Bhowmik – the co-inventor of laser technology in his Book : ‘ Code Name God’ has this to say - ‘ Strangely enough the same scientific methods, that once compelled us to question the existence of God, is now, by way of advanced physics and cosmology, developing evidence that tend to support our old age belief in a transcendent power.

The quantum Universe is a reality, where same tiny particles may occupy, two places at one time, or react instantly to event light years away.

He goes on to state that : physics is close to proving that material reality (our Universe, we the entire humanity, everything included) emerges from a common source.

However, it is a living miracle that in past few decades – Science and its awakened, and enlightened Scientific community – their numbers are ever growing , by their scientific pursuits and discoveries are becoming champions of Spirituality.

Source:
http://mindmints.blogspot.in/2011/02/100th-milad-my-quest.html


Biocentricity is validating Spirituality, the wisdom propounded by sages and philosophers is gaining acceptance by Science. Biocentrism teaches that it is consciousness that creates the material world, and not the other way round. It implies that Intelligence existed prior to matter. He also claims that space and time are not objects or things, but rather tools of our human understanding. THE UNIVERSE WAS CREATED FOR US. THE THEORY IMPLIES THAT DEATH OF CONSCIOUSNESS SIMPLY DOES NOT EXIST.

There are over 200 physical parameters within the Universe, so exact, that it seems as more probable that, they are that way in order to allow for the existence of life and consciousness, rather than coming about at random.

Biocentrism claims that allowing the OBSERVER in the overall equation, opens new approaches to our understanding of the Universe - how very true and exiting from the point of Spirituality.

Dr. Deepak Chopra states: ' his theory of biocentrism is consistent with most ancient wisdom traditions of the world, which says Consciousness, conceives, governs and becomes a physical world. '

Biocentrism suggests, that life is not an accidental by product of physics, but rather is a key part of our understanding the Universe.

I am observing Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayers, spiritual reflection and doing good deeds. What an opportune moment for me to have come across during this Blessed Month on a path breaking Scientific Theory that tries to address and give some insight, into my fast held beliefs and truths.

I have just managed to skim the surface, and hope to dwell deep with more reading during this month.

Indebted to Hay House World Summit Community.


   

HAY HOUSE WORLD SUMMIT 2014. LESSONS LEARNT

In the last week of May 2014 got myself Registered for free,  to hear some wonderful, well researched and experienced ' Talks' spread over a period of ten days. Regret, on account of constraints, have not been able to hear all the free talks.

However, share with my readers, a few important lessons learnt from the 'talks' that I managed to hear. It was indeed an exiting journey of understanding and awareness. The personal stories and experiences shared by wonderful and talented people, and the insights and wisdom made freely available - for this noble gesture I remain indebted to Hay House.

I am also sharing a brief bio of the speakers, so that those among you, who may be interested to know more about them and their works, can Google and find out.

Joan Borysenko, Ph.D is an internationally known speaker in integrative medicine and the mind/body connection. She has a doctorate in cell biology from Harvard Medical School and is a licensed clinical psychologist. The New York Times best-selling author of numerous books, she is also a journalist and radio personality. Website: www.joanborysenko.com

Lessons learnt. Resilience is more than just bouncing back, it entails remarkable transformation of thinking and character.
You start considering obstacles and set backs in life as a gateway for extended sense of freedom.

When life tragedy strikes, you find yourself on the 'threshold' at one side is 'no longer' and on the other side 'is not yet'. Everyone who has faced with personal tragedy, will agree that, there is a period of uncertainty and confusion, following the tragedy, whatever it may be.

The best thing to do under the circumstances, is not to rush things up, but to tarry a longer and reflect and introspect. Have faith that you will come out more stronger and a much better than before.

Resilient people are 1) realistic, solidly grounded and they accept the situation and live in the Present. Unfounded optimism does not help, you have to be more realistic. 2) Have Faith 3) radically creative and mindful. 4) they enjoy the support of family and friends 5) have a good sense of humor.

Your happiness 'set point' and resilience faculty reside in your left pre-frontal cortex, and for the best results, you need to to make definite 'left shift'.

Here are the four ways to achieve that. 1) Meditation or focused activity, with whatever you are comfortable. 2) Regular exercise 3) Slogan - short reminders 4) Breathing exercises.


Mike Robbins is the author of three books, including the brand new title Nothing Changes Until You Do: A Guide to Self-Compassion and Getting Out of Your Own Way, which will be published by Hay House (May 6, 2014). www.Mike-Robbins.com

Lessons learnt. Accept and love ourselves. As parents, what we teach is to our kids is not that important, but how we model ourselves, is what really matters.

Self esteem is good, but self compassion is more holistic. By being kind to ourselves, we become more humane. A bad day for the ego is a good day for the soul. Trust yourself - be yourself.

Lynne McTaggart is one of the central voices in the new consciousness movement. She is the award-winning author of six books, including the worldwide bestsellers The Field, The Intention Experiment, and The Bond, all now in 30 languages and considered bibles of the New Age. As editorial director of What Doctors Don’t Tell You, she also publishes one of the world’s most highly praised health magazines and runs extremely popular health and spirituality teleconferences and workshops. Website: www.lynnemctaggart.com


Lessons learnt. Group Theory teaches us that I win and you all also win, if we are all working towards a common goal. Get away from issues and rally around core values. If you are true to yourself, and your intentions are for common good and you trust the Universe to do your bidding, it will surely deliver.

On the subject of Group Theory, where the entire neighborhood is benefited, encompassing all strata of Society, where the affluent share their resources for the betterment of the entire Community - our Faizul Mawaid Burhaniya  (FMB) is one of the best example.
http://asgarf.blogspot.in/2011/09/faiz-ul-mawaid-burhaniyah.html

The  same food lunch scheme delivered at home, of  community members around the world, where members of all economic background share same simple hygienic food each day. The rich contribute more. An example of neighborhood connectivity and common good.


Gregg Braden is New York Times best-selling author and geologist, internationally renowned as a pioneer in bridging science and indigenous knowledge to create real-world solutions for today.
Gregg has shared his discoveries with Fortune 500 companies, the United Nations, mainstream universities, and audiences throughout the world. Website: www.greggbraden.com

Lessons learnt. We are so blessed that in our age the 150 year old science which had a unbridled sway has mellowed and become deep with the infusion of Spiritual wisdom.

False assumptions of Science like separation has given way to new thinking of co- operation. On account of awakened Masters, the two great ways of knowing are now married, as a result of which the off springs of new thoughts, having over riding characteristics of wisdom rather than knowledge, is making this world a better place to live. Let us celebrate this marriage.

Gopika Kapoor is a writer and communications consultant. She is the author of the best-selling books Spiritual Parenting: Wisdom (and Wit) for Raising Your Child in a Stress-Free and Spiritual Environment. Gopika works with Ummeed Child Development Center, a non -government organization helping children with developmental disabilities.

Lessons learnt. Inculcate the attitude of gratitude, in so doing you are the one who will benefit. There are no problems in life but situations. Accept situations that are beyond your control with humility. A paradox but true - bliss in the tiredness. I have many personal experiences of this. Now that Sehrullah is nearing and we mumineen look forward to Layla tul Qdr - the night of Ibadat and vigil, it is in this night that the above paradox proves true. At 'shafa' time we all feel the heavenly bliss, although we have spend the entire night in prayers. Is it not true ? This is just one example.

Joseph Clough is a best-selling Hay House author and creator of over 100 hours of Free Hypnosis and Coaching MP3s that have been downloaded more than 3 million times and listened to more than 200,000 times a month. Website: www.josephclough.com

Lessons learnt. Believe that you are worthy, accept and acknowledge negativity, step back. Be gentle to your self. Life is a journey, it is not merely a wishful thinking. Acknowledge your body's signal of anxiety, self doubt and turn it around for your betterment.

Entrepreneur James Altucher has experienced some great successes in life—and some miserable failures. He’s started and sold businesses for huge profits, and he’s taken on ventures where he’s lost everything. But through it all, he’s learned a lot, and in this entertaining interview, he shares which personal practices have led to success

Lessons learnt. Times have changed. Self reliance and belief in your self, and pursuing your dreams are now the pivots on which you succeed in life and making a living and living a life. College education has become a passe. In US more than 50% of those who are unemployed have College Degrees, and are straddled with clearing their debts.

Money is required for a living, but to live a life, what is more required is 1) Physical Health 2) Mental Health 3) Emotional Health 4) Spiritual Health. One should always set back a little each day, and check these four boxes.

Do not let marketing messages ensnare you, choose for your self what is good for you. If you fail to do so, others will choose you and take you for a ride, and make you poorer in the process.

Honesty compounds your network, adding value to your business. Coming up with ideas on regular basis is a good mental exercise. They need not be great, but keep up the practice, as it will be good for your mental health.

Dr. Mitchell Yass, a licensed physical therapist and author of upcoming Hay House book The Encyclopedia of Pain, talks on  a way to treat pain without having to take drastic surgical measures. Having treated countless patients who’ve previously been told that only surgery can help them, Dr. Yass reveals that, based on his research and strength-training system, in many cases going under the knife is unnecessary. He explains that oftentimes “pain is an indication of a tissue in distress”; if pain is found to be muscular, it can actually be treated and cured by strengthening the affected muscles. Dr. Yass does not suggest that all pain is in our muscles; some, he says, is structural, and in these cases he does support surgery as a way to address the pain. However, he firmly believes that all muscular pain can be treated with strength training, massage, and other nonsurgical methods.

Lessons learnt. Entirely different approach to tackle pain, and exposing the shortcomings of MRI and scans. Pain is an indication of a tissue in distress. The sure shot method is that you do not address the pain, but you treat the cause and resolve the distress tissue.

Muscular weakness does not show up in MRI and other diagnostics tests. Most back pain is muscular. Degeneration of spine is a natural ageing process. However, if causes are structural, surgery is the only answer, and in such cases, the faster it is done is better.
In case of lower back problem, a Universal problem, it is to be understood that muscles work in a group to perform the functions. Right hip muscle strain may be the cause of pain in the left lower back muscle.
When you are lifting weight, you are isolating the muscle, so if weight lifting exercise done correctly prove very beneficial.

FORGIVENESS - MY STORY

Talking of synchronicity, it is how this story you are about to read unfolds. In September 2013 my wife and me, flew to Sharjah to assist my son and family, as my daughter in law was expecting a child. In such matters, it is the lady of the house, whose services are most sought after, I was just an add on, helping the family with small house hold errands.

Under the circumstances, I had ample time on hand, so engrossed myself in reading. I was reading the Book ' Dying to be Me. My Journey from cancer....' by Anita Moorjani. During the course of my reading, I traveled to Dubai to spend a day with my niece Sarah Boriyawala. We started to discuss the Book, and talked about faith, prayers, NDE, faith and pranic healing, Chi Gong etc: Sarah is teaching Yoga to a selected few.

On account of a life threatening medical condition that she had, she is well read and has tried alternative medical therapy.

Talking of synchronicity, it was in Dubai on March 16, 2011 which also happened to be Anita's Birthday, that she received a surprise mail from Hay House, stating that they were willing to publish her book and provide all assistance and Wayne Dyer will be writing the Book Introduction.

Here in Dubai two years later, in my small little world, Sarah Boriyawala agreed to share her healing experience, and how FORGIVENESS and freeing your self from past hurts, helped her in complete healing.

Her Story in her own words. Hope her experience will help others to look at life threatening disease in a different perspective. The body has the capacity to heal its self, we have to learn to find the cause.  


It was the last week of November 2010. I was visiting my parents in Kolkata during the Eid Al Adha holidays. I had been suffering from arrhythmia for about a year now. I had consulted a Doctor,  when it had happened the first few times, but since the frequency was very low and all the ECG  and thyroid tests had come back normal,  he had put it down to stress and asked me not to be too hyper and calm down.

After that,  the next time I consulted  the Doctor,  was when the frequency had increased to almost once a week and I went to him on a day when it had been beating at an increased rate since 9am to 6pm. He did an ECG  and my heart was beating at 150 bpm. He told me it was SVT or supra-ventricular- tachycardia and gave me some medication to take for three days. Within the first day my heart rate was down to 40 bpm. He asked me to stop and take only half of the tablet if another episode should occur. He knew I was travelling and asked me to take expert advice there. 

Now on the very next day of arriving in Kolkatta I decided to consult a Specialist for second opinion. We went to BM Birla  Heart Research Center and Hospital,  where I got an attack right in the Doctor's  chamber. It was beating at 180bpm and he had me hospitalized right away. They administered  isoptin which brought the heart rate down right away.

 They did a couple of tests and here the beat seemed to be more of V- Tach i.e ventricular tachycardia which is way more serious. I was sent for an MRI which said I had Recurrent Ventricular tachycardia and ARVD.

 ARVD is arrhythmic right ventricular displasia. The only treatment for this is placing an ICD which is an implanted cardiac defibrillator which shocks the heart back into sinus beat every time it begins to throw out these extra beats. These beats do not allow the heart to complete the function of pumping the blood from one chamber to the other and finally to the lungs properly because of which proper oxygenated blood cannot reach the organs particularly the brain. This causes dizziness and blackouts and people suffer serious injuries due to falls that may take place due to a sudden blackout. I was asked not to cook as I could suddenly topple over the gas, not to drive, carry weights and I was to be monitored even when taking a shower in case I blacked out.

I was discharged with the advice that any recurrent attack should be treated by putting in an ICD. However, Dr. Haque who was the arrhythmia expert there was surprised to find that I was responding to only 120mg of Calaptin which is a very mild dosage so he asked me to see Dr. Yash Lokhandwala who is the second best in Asia in this field and based in Mumbai.

 As I was travelling  alone I decided to fly back to Dubai and consult the Mumbai Specialist later. The medicine was also working, and I was feeling fine. In Kolkata before leaving I did take two experts opinion, did the necessary tests, and both confirmed ARVD.  

Once back in Dubai I called my relative Dr. Aliasgar who was aware of my problem and read out the report to him. He was taken aback as he too had thought it was SVT  and thought an ablation would sort out the problem. He took the film of the MRI and sent it to a lab and got an expert opinion, which again confirmed it was ARVD.

 Now I had also started looking up the net for reports of this disease. It seemed allopathy had no cure for it. Many testimonies showed that even after putting an ICD people had to make many lifestyle changes and live very compromised lives. And after finding out that I should get to a hospital within 20 minutes of my heart beating in this manner or else there was a possibility of death really scared me.

Initially I was depressed and never ventured out of home. I was aware of my heart rate going up for a while now and again. It was at this juncture that I started seeking alternative medical treatment.  I would do yogic anulom-vilom breathing, I had a relative do reiki on me. I watched my diet. I was also reading books by various New Age masters, which taught me to enjoy the present moment and stop living in the constant fear of death. I found solace and peace but the threat to life was still there, at the back of my mind.

My moment finally came, when a  friend of mine who does pranic healing scanned me and put it down to a deep emotional hurt that had caused a scar in my heart and asked me to do forgive everybody who may have knowingly or unknowingly hurt me.

At the onset, it did surprise me, but as the saying goes - 'dubta ne tinka no saharo' under the condition I was, and having read many life changing books, I put firm faith in her advice.

I had read 'Dying to be Me ' by Anita Moorjani, and in response to one question as to what caused her cancer, this was her reply, which at the time resonated with me.

She said: ' I believe my cancer was related to my self identity, and it was though  it was my body's way of telling me that my soul was grieving for the loss of its own worth - of its identity. If I'd known the truth of who I actually am, I woud'nt have got cancer'

It made sense that may be, in my case as my friend had stated, some deep emotional hurt was the cause.

 Now I had  a pretty decent childhood and considered myself to be happily married. There was no deep trauma or abuse that I had suffered which could have caused this problem. But she insisted  that different people had different levels of sensitivity so though I may not have had any big traumatic issue maybe a lot of small small issues had gotten hold on me.

 And I did agree that I had a habit of bottling up my feelings. Now this bottled up feelings and emotions are the cause of many of today's life threatening disease. In trying to maintain status quo and in trying not to ruffle feathers in our day to day relations, and feeling of insecurity and our perceived notion of  not living  up to the expectations of our peers, are some of the prime causes.

On reflection I came to know that  I could not tolerate people being upset around me, and would always be the first to make up even if I felt I had been wronged. Not because I could forgive and forget but I could not bear with  the stressed out atmosphere.

So she asked me to basically  write the story of my life starting from as far as I could remember to the present day and while doing so to forgive whosoever had hurt me even if it was something as silly as my grade 2 friend for having taken my sweet from me !!

 I was to forgive the soul of each person seven times for every hurt and after that also if some incidents kept repeating themselves in my mind I was to forgive again 7 times. It was a whole process where I was to forgive saying that,  as humans they were bound to make mistakes as that is how they would learn and grow and with this understanding, I was to forgive and cut a cord through which holding on to this hurt was keeping me connected to them.

 I also asked for forgiveness from the souls of those whom I had hurt knowingly or unknowingly and made a resolve not to repeat those mistakes. I was also to forgive myself for any guilt that I may be feeling for those that I had hurt with the same understanding that being human we do make mistakes and must learn from them. That is how we evolve.

At the onset I found it very intimidating but my dear friend encouraged me and finally it  turned out to be quite a thick manuscript and I genuinely wrote all my deepest and darkest secrets in it.

 It was quite an emotional roller coaster and I cried quite a bit as I went about this therapy. At the end of it I felt emotionally cleansed and also,  in retrospect I saw a lot of  incidents in a different light now than as I had viewed them then as I was more mature now. When I wrote this I somehow thought that she will read it or give someone adept in her field to read it and probably advise me. But she just asked me to burn it and release all my hurt and allow the universe to now take care of it.

Around the time that I finished doing this, we planned to travel to Mumbai and got an appointment with  Dr Yash Lokhandwala.  As is the case in normal medical diagnosis,  as some time had elapsed, Dr. Lokhandwala, asked me to get a fresh MRI done. The MRI showed that I did not have ARVD.  He diagnosed me with a much more benign heart problem of RVOT.

 Which is right ventricular outflow tachycardia. There were two points which were throwing out the extra beats. He ablated one and on repeated attempts also could not find the other as the heart stopped throwing out the extra beats as soon as the first ablation was done. Because of that there is a small dosage of daily medication that I have to take. But since then I have been symptom free and my heart does not beat fast unless it has valid reason to do so. I lead a normal healthy life today  teaching yoga and travelling around the world. Both of which I enjoy immensely and both of which would have had to be considerably compromised if  I had ARVD.

Now whether it was a misdiagnosis in the first place, in all probability it could not have been, as several expert opinions all confirmed ARVD  or whether the forgiveness therapy genuinely healed me, I am not sure.ALLAH KNOWS BEST.

 But I do know that the events that unfolded ultimately lead me to a path from where I have learnt a lot and grown a lot. So I believe that whatever happens no matter how difficult and awful it seems ultimately happens to teach us and guide us so that we may live our best lives ultimately.

Sarah Boriyawala - Dubai 

THE BEST MEANS OF REFINING THE SOUL

In FATEMI PHILOSOPHY the best means of refining the soul, is to seek for an awakened and enlightened Guide, and to always strive for his guidance and fellowship.

It is related from Ibn Abbas, that while we were in the presence of Nabi (SA) when it was asked  ‘ Who is the best companion ? He replied : ‘ That person, who when you see him, you are reminded of ALLAH, when he speaks, your knowledge increases, when he acts, you start thinking of the Hereafter and Resurrection’

A variety of ways have been recommended, for reforming one’s moral and refining the Soul. Among the various methods, one is the Socratic method. According to this, man must reform himself, by way of his intellect and his own devising.

Socratic method entails that one must learn to gradually remove moral lacune,  with patience, perseverance, careful reckoning and applied thought, and thus slowly and steadily, purify the baser elements to pure gold in one’s nature. Philosophers try to achieve this by thought and reckoning.

But this method, though good in itself  , has many limitations and pitfalls. However, there is a much faster and better way in the Spiritual journey, and in FATEMI PHILOSOPHY  it is simply put - love and fellowship in place of following the way of intellect and reasoning.

One should seek out a perfect being and hang the halter of love for, and fellowship with him round one’s heart. This is much safer and swifter, than the way of intellect and reasoning.

A car is a good means of transport, but in comparison to airplane, its value is greatly diminished.  

A mumin is doubly blessed to have his MOULA to take him swiftly and surely on the Spiritual journey.

The effect of the intellect in reforming moral evils, is like the work of someone, who tries to separate, iron filings from dust by hand. How time consuming, excruciating, that would be.

A mumin holds a powerful magnate in hand, the devotion to his MOULA, his unflinching faith in him, and thus in a single sweep, and without much effort and brainstorming, he can at one go remove the iron fillings - the baser traits in his character , and become spiritually radiant and pure.

There are hundreds of such example to be found amongst us mumineen. The presence of MOULA his nazarat mubarak, his doa mubarak and lo and behold, a complete transformation.

Experience has shown, that companionship with the pure and enlightened , his fellowship, unbound love for him, and faith in him, has had a miraculous effect on one’s spirit, which could not be achieved if one were to read hundred of volumes of ethics.

‘ If there is desire for union, in your head O Hafiz

 you must become like a clay, in the craftsman's hand ‘

We mumineen should forever be thankful and offer Hamd to ALLAH that kablas sawal, HE has bestowed HIS azeem neamat, a roohani craftsman, by his shafakat, karam and ehsan is moulding our base clay to perfection.

On this urs night of Abdulkader Hakimuddin moula (RA) let us offer Hamd to Allah and beseech HIM to grant our Aqa Moula (TUS) and A’li Qdr Muffadal Moula (TUS) sehato a’fiyat ta kiyamat. Ameen. Let us also resolve to become supple clay, in their hands, and submit ourselves to be moulded as desired by our roohani craftsman.

Based on my reading of an article having the above title from www.al-islam.org

26 Shawwal 1434 H  Sunday 1st September 2013