LATE ARVIND ( BABASAHEB ) HAJARNIS.

To day ( 20-12-2011) Babasaheb passed away rather peacefully compared to the suffering he had to put up with for last few years. It was almost a rebirth for him 18 years back. Never fully recovered. The pain kept him away from cheer forever.
He was the one who broke the news of our love affair and convinced my in laws for marriage. He was elder brother not only in Hajarnis family but also amongst four of us Sadus. He behaved like elder one. He was perfect son-in -law and neighbour for my fattier and mother-in-law. It continued for so long that it became rather difficult to see him relegated to secondary position. But that how it slowly became. He lost confidence so much that was unable to leave independently. No more head of the family. It was disturbing for us to watch.
He was lucky to leave with wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter-in-law and a grand son. It’s a luxury in this age of nucleus family. Most of people of our generation are leaving miserable life of loneliness and exclusion. Couples are worried about single future ahead. With children in India or abroad ( more in abroad ). It must be said in fairness that sons did not neglect him even if they fought with each other. It must be mentioned that the most positive support came from his real brothers. Great family held together in close bond. This quality is fast becoming rare.
The death has been obviously striking me in my 64 year life. Some times coming out of turn. But today I cant help but feel that it has now come to our generation.
R.I.P.

Arvind Khare

GANDHARVA BHOG

Gandharva is invariably cursed. It is believed that ordinary human can become GOD by penance and achieving super powers thereby. A well advanced one becomes Gandharva if and when tempted by lust or greed and falls from the virtuous path. Super powers do not necessarily be magical like vanishing or entering some body else’s body. The equivalent word to GOD in Sanskrit is DEVA. The noun is derived from adverb “ Div “ which means “to shine”. The GODs are e seldom dark and ugly. That image is for demons. They are conceived as handsome with sparkling glow. The Gandharvas too are conceived as handsome and sparkling but do not posses all qualities of GOD. English language has only one word ANGEL to sum up what are called as Ganhdarva, Yaksha & Kinnara in Indian mythology. They are supposed to have their own LOKA or state of existence supposed to in between the earth and Heaven. Their main role is to please the GODS with there art skills like Music , dance and drama joined by feminine counterparts in Apsaras and Paris. ( Again only one word fairy in English both ). In Maharshtra we consider Gandharva as epitome of music while Karnataka it is Yaksha gana. Kinnara are Aphrodites like Shakhandi or Brihannala.
The Word BHOGA has different shades to the meaning. In north India it refers to the offerings made to the GOD like CHHAPAN BHOG, while in Maharshtra it is referred to as the inevitable sufferings. Being Marathi myself I have used the word to mean suffering. This background must be known to fully understand what is meant by the curse of Gandharva or GANDHRVA BHOG.
In my childhood I was called as Kinchit Gandharva ( Minuscule Angel ) by my elder cousin sister because I would sing all the time. Never took to anything seriously. I am conceived as well read well cultured mature person with loving disposition. I could speak and fool people that I am well read person. Read I do but casually only. I could write but never bothered to concentrate more than 10 minutes. I could sing but never learnt it seriously. I went to Architectural school more by whim than plan. I did social work but more as show than real urge. I loved people around me as my bards. Every talent remained at nascent level due to casual approach. Now when I am at the fag end of life I realize it as Ghandharva Bhog.

Arvind Khare

BAL GANDHARVA

Many have written about him before the film. Many will wrtite for time to come. He was a legend. Legends never die.

I want to record two things that struck me.

The way Anand Bate has rendered his immortal songs. Outstanding ! I heard original records of Bal Gandharva and and Anand Bhate back to back. Similarity of voice and style is remarkable. There are many and there will be many who aspire to sing like Bal Gandharva. Both male and female have tried as singers. So far I thought Jaymalabai is nearest to him. Now I will hand that honour to Ananad Bhate. The freshness of voice was vital to bring that era alive on the screen. That is where he scores very high.

Other is Subodh Bhave. Outstanding performance. I have seen many male actors mimicking Bal Gandharva draped in female attire. Horrible would be correct word for them invariably. Again I have seen Jayamalabai playing his roles in his style. She is a lady of grace but a lady after all. I have seen Balgandhrva only at very late stage of his life when he turned to Devotional music. I would not able to understand how this toothless bald man ruled Marathi stage. Only the smile was electrifying. Jaymalabai would give some glimpse of it. Subodh Bhave has left undying image of Bal Gandharva. After Tukaram was produced Vishupant Pagnis became icon for Tukaram face. Subodh Bhave has done same.

I think both are lucky to get such great opportunity. They will go down the history for perfect rendering of a legend.

But at the last we cannot forget “ ASA GANDHARVA ATA PUNHA NA HONE.”

Arvind Khare

LION THE KING OF JUNGLE.

Once upon a time there was a thick limitless jungle. The nature displayed its full splendor. All kinds of plant were blooming and all animal species were fighting, loving and grooming happily. The kingdom of the jungle was ruled by king of animals the LION. All animal subjects happy and obeying him. Things were fine for some time before the LION became ferocious. Instead of protecting he would kill them just for fun even when he was not hungry. Being angry became good cause to kill instead of being hungry. Slowly other maladies like lust, greed, jealousy made their way to the LION mind.
All animals were scared of him but nobody dared to complain. Ultimately all animals called a meeting to discuss how to get rid of the tyrant LION. In the meeting, committees appointed, reports tabled, long discussions held where every body participated in most rhetoric fashion but no solution came forward. When every body was thoroughly exhausted, a cunning fox volunteered to get rid of the problem. Happy by his initiative, all animals happily endorsed him as their Representative to face the LION.
The cunning fox went to the LION and started singing all praises for him. Pleased by the flattery, the LION granted him audience. The fox began with some more praises and won the confidence of the LION. Gently threw challenge to him. Says “ how come there is another LION who looks and rules just like you ? “. The LION was taken aback at the thought of having another LION. Soon both took to the road leading to it. The Fox took LION to a well and asked to look into it. Sure there was reflection looking same as him, roaring as him.
Original LION was about to jump at the reflection and drown himself when deep in his mind he heard a voice not heard till now. It urged him to take a step back which he did. The reflection disappeared. A step forward and reflection reappeared, a step backward and reflection disappeared. Now he became quiet and listened to that inner voice once more. It told him “Your likes and dislike brings you forward and backward. Stop looking at the reflection and there will be nothing left to see” Now he came once again to the edge of well but refused to see at the bottom of it. There was no water and no reflection. Eventually he went back and became the true ruler of the jungle kingdom. He began to rule with justice without fear or favor and no longer effected by moods like anger, fear, depression, excitement.

MORAL : The LION is our mind. The jungle is the field granted to us by GOD for experience. The moods are our accumulated desires. Overcome them and you are true ruler. Listen to the FOX and you are drowned.

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
khaream47@gmail.com

BAIKO

Tichi gammat nastana kalte
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Lavkar uthala mahnun oradate,
Ushia uthala mahnun karvadte
Nemki vel matra sangat naste
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste.
Kam valya baichya takrari karte
Kadhun tak mhantle tari chidate
Kamala haat lavu det naste
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
TV samorun uthat naste
Serialchi chesta chalet naste
Break break madhe jevan karte
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Aai sarkha jamla nahi tar chidte
Aai sarkha jamla mhantle tari chidte
Aai kadech kha mhanun vaitagte
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Pahunyansamor tiche Aho aste
Ekte aslat ki Are mhante
Aaplech khare karat baste
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Gharat gharkombda mhante
Baher gelat tar befikir mhante
Aaplya bhisha chalu thevate
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Sanasudila sonyat bolate
Dene ghene hazarat tharvate
Kadki asli tar sodun dete
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Mulanbarobar drista kadhte
Tuumchyasathi ratra jagvate
Aaple dukhane angavar kadhate
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Tumhi ghasarlat tar savrat aste
Tumhi kosalat tar ubhi karte
Takraritun prem karte
Karan ti tumchi baiko aste
Kadhitari hi kavita vachel
Tyat kay mhanun nak udvel
Hyala tyala dakhavat basel
Karan ti tumchi baiko asel
Jithe asha baika gharoghari astat
Tithe mera Bharat mahan mhantat

I WAKE UP AS ME

HOW FUNNY

WHEN I WAKE UP I WAKE UP AS ME.
NOBODY ELSE BUT ONLY SIMPLE SINGLE ME
BY BITS AND PIECES INTO THE WORLD CREEPS
NOT KNOWING IF FOR GIVING UP OR KEEPS
ALLLURING NUDGING PUSHING OR KILLING
FLEETING OR STICKING OR MEMORY DRILLING
ALWAYS HAVING DOUBT IF REAL OR IMAGE
BUT I AM ME AT EACH AND EVERY STAGE
MAKE NO MISTAKE I WAKE UP AS ME
FOR I GO SLEEP AS NOBODY ELSE BUT ME.

REALLY FUNNY

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
khaream47@gmail.com

SAINT JNANESHWAR AND SANJEEVAN SAMADHI DAY.

To day is Thirteenth day ( Trayodashi ) of second half of month Kartik. Seven hundred and thirteen years back Sant Jnaneshwar entered into Samadhi on this day. A picturesque description like running commentry has immortalised every small detail of the moment by his contemporary Sant Namdev. Marathi language will be forever gratefull to both. A span of less than thirty years was good enough for the mission of his ( Jnaneshwar ) life. He chose to enter alive in the Samadhi place at ALANDI in the vicinity of the temple of Lord Shiva. The last stone of the wall confining him to the samadhi was laid by none other than his elder brother and Guru Sant Nivruttinath.

Some staunch devotees believe he is still alive there. Let us not worry about the belief. Is it not good enough to say that he has more influennce on VARKARI sampradaya of Maharashtra than any other person living today? In my humble way I would like to pay resepect by quoting and commenting on one of his OVI from Jnaneshwari.

It is on the commentry of following Sholka of Geeta :

Ishwarah sarvabhutanam hridaye-Arjun tishtati
Bhramanayan sarvabbutani yantrarudhani bhavya ll 18:61 ll Geeta

God resides in the heart of every being Oh Arjun. All are spinning around as if run by Mood Machine. )

Kimbahuna Dhanurdhara l Bhootante swarga sansara II maji bhovandi trune wara I Aakashi jiaisa II 18:1310 II Jnaneshwari
Rather Oh Archer, the creatures spin from earth to heaven ( and back ) like ( loosened) blades of grass fodder bundle would fly skywards with breeze.

Note : Similar example of loose grass blades is used by Sant Nivruttinath to describe his mental state in composition describing sudden disappearance of sister Mukta.

Arvind Khare

TALE OF THE MONKEY TAIL

We were told a child hood story of a monkey and carpenters.
The carpenters had quit after the days work and left a wooden log half sawed and half split with a wedge to keep them separate.
The monkey was going through its monkey business and pulled out of the wedge.
The tail got caught into log and severed.
The monkey began to behave like human without tail.
The tail did not die after being cut off.
It got new lease of life and started wagging like a snake.
Unable to bear separation it found its way to the stomach of the Monkey cum man.
It lied and rested their and began to be known as KUNDALNI.
The monkey man started contemplating as to how he has come to present stage.
It realised that two half sawed and half split of logs was his VASANA and pulling of the wedge was his PRABRABDHA.
To awaken KUNDALINI was his only chance to LIBERATION.
Now the monkey man stopped being ordinary human and was revered as SUPERHUMAN.
Eventually the death caught with him.
Guess if the severed tail died with him or continued for another birth as attachment between legs like monkey again. Your guess is as good as mine. Care to exchange guesses?

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
khaream47@gmail.com

FEW COMPOSITIONS I WROTE BUT DID NOT POST :
4-7-2011
THE RUN AWAY SEEKER :
I am running away from the self
In search of lasting happiness BUT
The grief and despair wont let in laughter

I am running away from the self
Hoping to laugh with the world BUT
The world dose not care if I laugh or cry.

I am running away from the self
In the hope to stop crying BUT
The tears keep rolling for the loss of love.

I am running from the self
To give more than to accept BUT
It comes from goes to those who do not matter.

I am running from the self
In search of real love BUT
It asks far more to give than take.

I am running away from the self
To learn from the scripture BUT
They keep on telling not this not this.

I am running away from the self
To seek last refuge in the GOD BUT
I do not know how and where to look.

I am running away from the self
Knowing the self as only real BUT
"I" am scared to accept "I" as illusion.
GOD SAVE ME.

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
khaream47@gmail.com
M. 0920701210

ONE MORE HONOR AND AWARD

On 18th March 2011, yet another award came my way. Thanks to Subhash who recommended my name. At least I thought so till a call came from the organization. VYAS CREATIONS. The lady told me that they have decided to accept my application for Jyeshtha Ratna award. She also informed me when and where it will be presented. Upon my insistence that the least I deserve as awardee is a line confirming conferring of award. I did get something in writing. It was an invitation to attend without specifying if as an awardee or part of audience.

I did go. Who does not like to be awarded? I knew the people behind organization, their work etc. They did not ask me to buy award at least. Usually some organizations from New Dehli do announce my selection as out standing person around independence and republic day. Politely tell me to pay some amount which is of course much more than the cost of the award. It was three tire honoring and I came in the last and least important category. Thankfully the other awarded were also equally nondescript. The number was restricted to respectfully small. Every body was above sixty. The award confirmed at least one thing that now I am a senior citizen.

I though we Lions are the only people taking fancy to present awards for the smallest of reason. I am happy to know that we are not alone.

Pardon me if I am sounding too sarcastic. In a way I am laughing at myself to fall pray to the urge for glorification. Anyway thanks to the organization and as some body said in response that let me now earn it !

Arvind Khare
Amkhare47@gamil.com
Khare_am@yahoo.com

DOG FIGHT AT THE GATE

Of the late we are loosing our sleep due to dog barking, nothing new about it. Many people try to stop them by shouting, bit them with stick, throw stones.None of the method is effective. They stop barking may be for a moment. And patiently look at people wondering why human want to deny them pleasure of barking. The moments human retire to bed, they resume happily what they were enjoying earlier. Barking has many finer tunes to a trained ear. Some dogs bark as if they are in grief, some as if they are angry, some as a ritual , some ferociously as if their life is at stake. They are happy to bark individually or in chorus. At times they divide themselves and take turns for barking. A brief rest recovers their throat to begin barking all over again. Longer the period of barking better pleasure. .

That dogs have very strong territorial sense is well known fact.That is why dogs are called as “ Galike Kutte “ ( Dogs of the lane) , because they live in a particular lane for their life time. They seldom cross the lane. Dogs of the same lane have kind of fraternity amongst them. Usually they don’t fight each other but collectively fight outside dogs if they venture inside lane.

In our case unfortunately the border of two dog territories happens to be the gate of our neighbour. It’s like Wagha Border between India and Pakistan. No dog is allowed to cross the gate. Inside dogs wont permit outsider dogs. They are more vigilant in watching this check post than probably two armies posted at Wagha border. That does not stop outside dogs from trying to sneak into. They are promptly scented from a distance unknown to human nose. An attack is sensed and must be stopped immediately and barking begins. The dogs on both sides cover lot of ground to come to the battle field. That is gate of our neighbour. Some times a pair of outside dog will only touch the gate by his nose. They wont wag tails or utter a single bark. That is no reason to ignore provocation. Retaliation need not be so silent. Inside dogs run towards the gate barking all the way. When they reach the gate it becomes amazing Orchestra. That we do not care to listen to any Orchestra much less a Dog orchestra in the middle of night is another matter. The performers after all don’t perform for the audience. They are intensely engrossed in the performance and quite blissful about it.

Now we know the game.When the music starts we reach to the outside gate and try to drive away sniffing dogs That is much easier than cursing inside job. Its amazing at times it works ! So remember to find out who is protecting the border and who is intruder next time you witness Dog Orchestra in full swing at your gate. Only a discerned human can find it out. Hope you are on of them and have a Good Night.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com

DR. SHIVKUMAR KUNDRA

With the death of Dr.Kundra I have personally lost a person whom I would always turn for advice. In fact I had no need to go to him. His understanding nature would find out every time I was disturbed. He would speak and bring back peace to me. It had happened on several occasion. We have enjoyed the best of hospitality at his home. My father brought him into Lionism through Lion Ram Bhadsavale. He was in Kolshet club ( closed now.) He joined Kopri club as charter member when the club was inaugurated in 1987. He had earned a doctorate in Chemistry but was more known for his shayari. It is not only a personal loss to me but the Lions of Kopri have lost most father like figure. Dr. Shivkumar Kundra. He was easily the most respectable figure in the club.He was trustee of the club. The family of Dr.Kundra is easily the best role model. The wife, sons, daughters in law, grandson, every one was as the correct part of the best family. Very unfortunately Umabhabhi is suffering from Cancer. Yet she had courage to accompany the husband right up to last rites. Remarkable !

. I wanted to invite him over to our home which did not materialise. I had wanted to dedicate a blog for his memory I am doing it now. May his soul rest in peace.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com

RESUMING MODE

It is more than year that I wrote first blog. It is few months since I wrote last blog. I wanted to write. Relatives and friends were asking to write. Somehow nothing was materializing. I am aware that my blogs had little to offer to others and more of a monologue with self. Why did I stopped talking to me ? May be I was going through mental and physical fatigue. It is not as if I have suddenly become fit. I feel that waiting to become fit itself is creating another mental block. Probably the effort is more important than success. I remember after the attack of sciatica it was painful for me to even stand on left leg let alone walk. Walking with limp was also great effort. For a fortnight I could not take even steps which could be counted in double figure. One day I decided to walk. May be only two steps at a time. The interval between the rests gradually increased. The distance cover started elongating. Now I am not as crisp in walking as I would like. My legs still become heavy towards evening. I still need to rest my back every few hours. That is not important. What is important is that I have now resumed my work almost fully. What is true about walking is perhaps equally true about talking to either self or with people. The words must flow. Flow like a trickle to start with. May be it will lead to gushing flow sooner or later. Silence is not the best way to start dialogue. That is what exactly the purpose of writing this blog. Not to tell anything but to judge if I have ability to tell still left in me. I hope to. How regularly only time can tell. Wish me please.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.