The world of gadgets – its grip on our lives!

I love the potential of electronic gadgets! But far greater is my love for living Life in the “here and the now”!

Recently, I spent a couple of weeks in Singapore. Although I had lived for several years in Singapore, it was much before the wave of electronic gadgets took over our lives. In those days, people couldn't wait to get to their homes so that they could get onto their TVs, computers or other electronic amusements. Now these very 'amusements' accompany us wherever we go, seeking to engage and entertain us all the time. As a result, most of us who live in these cities tend to be constantly restless -- texting, playing games, reading posts, checking out videos, fiddling with the music lists, etc., seeking out one diversion after another.

Almost everywhere, you see people being caught up with their electronic gadgets - smart phones, tablets and iPods/mp3 players. We are constantly seeking fun, excitement, and at a deeper level, an escape from the reality of our daily lives.  And in response to our demands, the electronic industry is producing more and more things that are portable and can zap you into a world away from the present.

Singapore is one such city where the potential of losing one's self into this world of gizmos, is the highest. MRTs and bus stations are the ideal zones for people to get lost in their gadgets. And you could also see people glancing expectantly or texting mindlessly while riding on escalators, walking on streets, and even while crossing traffic signals. 

Security is both a boon and a bane. The outward security of life that we sometimes find in the cities doesn't necessarily ensure inner security and on the contrary leaves the mind free to dwell on its inner fears. This is how the 'addiction' of electronic gadgets has gripped the whole city. It gives us an escape from boredom and "inner insecurity" of our lives and it promises something, which at best is only a temporary diversion. Unfortunately, we fail to see how grasping onto these gadgets deprives us the opportunity to live life to the fullest, to connect with other beings and to cultivate our own strengths in coping with life, no matter how it manifests itself in the here and the now.

After a few days stay in Singapore, I began to realize that this phenomenon is not merely addictive but it also seeks to “proliferate” through us. Having a smart phone and a tablet creates a certain “itch” in the hands. We use ‘apps’ that draw others into this web more and more and thus the positive power of digital networking becomes a tool for the whirlpool of unproductive chattering. Although the digital world has many privileges of networking and spreading positive cheer to people, the gadgets in themselves carry a certain energy, which is a potential breeding ground for the restless type of energy.

The kind of energy I felt when I am absorbed in them was temporarily exhilarating but in reality was only draining -- mentally, emotionally and physiologically. Isn't that what addiction is all about? It gives you a temporary high, but leaves you depleted when you are off from it. So in order to maintain the 'high' you indulge again in it. But the next time, it leaves you with a less exhilarating effect and thereby necessitating a larger 'dosage'. Test yourself – how long can you keep a gadget in your bag or in our pocket without fiddling with it during your spare moment? The next step is to see if you can shut it off at night when you go to sleep and how long before you activate it in the morning? Even when there is no message or a call, we seek out for new posting, new video, etc. Sometimes the addiction is so severe that some people can no longer go away on a retreat or anywhere in Nature, where these gadgets are no longer active!

At the end of my couple of weeks of stay in Singapore, I felt that although the population there had increased, I only “saw” a few people there! Even the lady at the counter who smiled and offered me my drink was restless to get back to her gadget.

I saw the danger and the potential “environmental hazard“ that lies for all the cities in the world. Although it inspired me with a new determination not to lose myself in this world of gadgets, I wondered about the possible antidote that was available for all the Singaporeans, and all those who live in modern cities (especially the teens and young adults). And how about the peer pressure and the ridicule for those who seek to ‘take a break’ every now and then from these gadgets?

 Do send me your comments.

Meditation Retreats in Thailand - Now Online!

Here's my article on Meditation Retreats in Thailand. If you like it, then please click 'Like' to encourage the publisher, and myself, to produce more of such materials:

http://www.lookeastmagazine.com/2014/06/meditation-retreats-in-thailand/ 

The Thai Smile - Answer to the crisis in Thailand

After spending 8 months, mostly traveling within Thailand, I just flew in to Singapore on some work. It was a refreshing change to be back in a more organized and clean city, and amidst predictable living conditions. It's definitely nice to have maps and guides for everything and to know that you can expect your buses and trains to always be on time.

It's reassuring to get response for every question you ask, whether at the airport or at the mall, not with blank stares or broken communication, but with clear and detailed information. Yet, as the day dragged on, I realized that despite my irrefutable delight amongst these conditions, there was something that I was badly missing! No it wasn't the the pad thais or green curries, and definitely not the chaotic traffic or the polluted air. It was the gentle but heartwarming Thai Smile! Over the past few months in Thailand, when things were unpredictable and disorganized, when communication was not clear and the heat unbearable, I had come to rely on one thing; the ubiquity of the "ever-comforting Thai Smile." 

My experience of a genuine Thai smile is not based on outer conditions, and am certainly not referring to the commercial smile from air hostess or at hotels. It is something that is rooted in the culture and trained innately in behavior. It is true that a genuine smile is rare, not just in Thailand, but the world over, because:

A smile lifts the spirit, 
A smile softens a tiring journey, 
A smile shows unconditional acceptance, 
No matter what your identity,
A smile conveys support and lightens all worries, 
A smiles kindles new hope and is ever-welcoming,

When you arrive into this new land,
Knowing not where you path is headed,
You discover again your heart's home, 

In the soft and gentle, Thai Smile!

I recall reading an article from a Time Correspondent couple of months ago (whose phrase of the "ever-comforting Thai Smile" I have used here). He argued that based on the history of conflicts in the country and the ongoing political struggles, a Thai Smile has never been a reality but the hype of tourist guides. In recent times, many of my friends abroad have enquired with me repeatedly about Thailand as they doubt the Thais to endure the current circumstances.

Yes, individually, how could anyone endure the political strife and instability, the whimsical administration, and the worsening living conditions. But the strength of the Thai's innate ability to smile is not to be underestimated. To me, "the land of smiles" has a great potential as long as it smiles continue to be shared with all - generously and sincerely! 

So also shall its hope for peace keep improving if all the political groups rely more and more on their real source of power. More than any other time in history, what is needed now is for Thais to rise and reclaim their true inheritance and power; the power of the "ever-comforting Thai Smile."

Faith and Self-Transformation

Although our faults and weaknesses are neither fixed nor permanent, they do tend to have an aspect of confining us to the limitations and humanness of life! Perhaps that is the reason that so many religions are based on the aspect of Faith! Faith, as we have been told, is beyond reason and cultivated only through its practice. So it may be true that any attempts to understand Faith with the use of reason may be futile. However as human beings endowed with reason, we can definitely try to see deeper into the effects of practice of Faith and to understand whether it has any negative ramifications. 

One thing is apparent that Faith gives us a justification wherein we can excuse ourselves of our faults and weaknesses. It gives us an illusory hope that Faith in itself is all "the effort" that is necessary to free us. We find in this perspective a sense of validation and a sense of unconditional acceptance. 

In the west and in some religions of the East, there is the belief that some divine being or 'a Saviour' will absolve our weaknesses. Some other religions teach that mere good deeds and merits will make up for our "unresolved issues!". I do love the simplicity of these ideals. But unfortunately, these are conditioned beliefs and they stand in the way of realizing the truth of the matter for oneself.

In reality, to embrace something "Divine" or to rely on our "Faith" is to work towards freeing ourselves, to be our own 'Saviour!' This intention, however, is not based on making ourselves into something more than what one really is, at a personality or at a mental-emotional level. It is a letting go of all that one is not, but believes and identifies oneself with, and all that which one clings to relentlessly in the hope of finding the inner security. 

"Let go and let....!" Our faults are no longer ours when we can let go of them! To me, that is the essence of the PRACTICE! 

It is a trust that is developed on one's own reason and experimentation that we can go on living, without our attachment to those behavior and actions that cause us, and others--pain and misery; that we no longer need to look for 'refuge' in anything or anyone outside of ourselves! This is Faith-in-action! 

This is the means to the transformation of the defiled human nature into the pure divine being!

Simplicity amidst chaos!

A simple life with basic necessity,

Amidst the clutter of materiality;

Ain't that the lofty and worthy goal?

Of every peace seeking soul.

Thrust into life and its complexities,

Losing oneself in its endless possibilities,

Allured and dragged by life's forceful demand,

Submitting meekly for others fear of reprimand.

Acquiring things that promise security,

Binding others too in our web of gaiety,

We hope to escape that same destiny,

That falls on all who seek indulgently.

Until life forces its nasty reminders,

To bring balance albeit our disorder,

Through painful and disturbing daily-lesson,

We are taught the science of supreme reason.

The secret is known only by that humble heart,

One that's mastered the simplicity-art:

Are not the compelling choices and habits of our society
The very fetters that keeps us—ever unhappy!

Where are the angels in LA and Bangkok?

Having lived for many years in Los Angeles, I am well acquainted with the bustling activity of city life. However, with my quest to finding peace and balance within, I have always maintained a certain distance from city activities so that I may remain free from its imposition on my life. So I lived mostly at a small mountainous suburban area, further away from the city, but within visible range of the skyscrapers and buildings that sketched the vibrant city of LA. From that higher altitude, I could still see the city without getting caught up in the humdrum of its activities.

Recently I had an opportunity to live on the top floor of a high rise apartment in Bangkok. From that vantage point, I could witness the constant flow and feel the pulse of city life--the automobiles rushing through the many flyovers, the metro rails and subways that seem to emerge from the heart of one building and disappear into another, the various shades of lights on offices and apartments and some flickering with captivating banners, the schools and other educational institutes with periodic trails of ant like figures in uniforms, the constructions workers who along with their towering equipments look like a spiderman without his costume, the spotted green dots amidst the buildings that bear a far resemblance to the concept of trees, and lastly the omnipresent entertainment parlors with blaring music that pierce into the skies, etc. Isn't this the hallmark of just another busy city that can never quite stop?

But then again, it is obvious to note that the human quest for activities and excitement forces one to seek balance, sooner or later, in one form or another. Physical recreational areas, gardens, and healing outlets offer the environments in these bustling cities for people to connect back to nature. I observe from my temporary shelter in this high rise apartment, the attempts by people to have gardens on top of some of the buildings, and some swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness centers are usually secluded on the higher floors of the buildings, etc., all in an effort for the wealthy city dwellers to seek respite. There are also the small hives of Buddha and other deities spread out everywhere where people can turn off their auto pilot mode in the flurry of their daily activities, and connect within to their heart and spirit.

Incidentally the names of both Bangkok and Los Angeles mean "the city of angels" in their original languages. The abode of the angels is pictorialized commonly as being "among the clouds". I couldn't help reflect that this may be referring to witnessing life from top of these buildings. At a distant, or from the top, we all have a better view of life and its "tentacles" remain less potent. 

Almost everyone desires to live their life in an angelic manner, seeking noble and wholesome activities to balance their body, mind and spirit. But when these potential angels descend down to their earthy abodes, scurrying through life everyday, they tend to get lost in the maze of its complexities! Then these same individuals are compelled to run away from the cities, seeking balance and solitude amidst nature, or at some holiday resorts, or even monasteries. However, these escapades are temporary or at best a revitalizing break! The freedom one seeks from the city life may just be the desire to be "in the clouds" where their angelic best blooms in full.

Perhaps these expensive and difficult trips to find balance and harmony in one's life can be avoided. It may not even be necessary to seek out top floors of tall buildings or any other forms of expensive accommodations that give "extra space". In our effort to retain or reclaim our angelic nature, we only have to learn to remain connected within our own selves, where the purity and harmony of nature manifests completely, and wherein the "path to the clouds" is instantaneously available upon demand. However, to learn to do so, in every moment of our lives, and no matter under what conditions we find ourselves in, we have to learn the art of "Coping with Life". 

Unfortunately it is not an art we learn at Schools or Universities, nor at our work places or churches/temples. This is an art to be mastered in the University of daily life, amidst the noises of cities, the complexities of relationships, and the reality of life, sickness, old age and death.

Did you stop to notice the "Falling Leaf"?

Have you ever noticed a falling leaf?
Leaves fall from the trees,

not just in the Fall season, but all through the year.

Yet how often have we stopped to see?

The falling leaf from a tree,

Is quite mystical to me.

Its a wonder when I see it,
opening a dimension that's dimly lit.

"How is it possible?," I ask myself,

A simple phenomenon such as that,

Natural and common in itself,
Leaves in the receptive mind, a spark of brilliance.

For a long time I have wondered,

Day by day, eager to understand, I enquired, 

Should I rather dismiss and scurry away,

In pursuit of worldly goals and roles, on my way?

Just like the majority of human race,
whose impatience and self focussed gaze,
busy in a life that leaves no scope
for the mystery of a falling leaf swirl.

Yet now, as the leaf dances before me,

Falling carelessly and tantalizingly,

Oblivious as to where and when,

It's fancy dance shall end.

I feel a thrill of gratitude,

Of the wonder and beauty that I am blessed to see,

The nature's reality right in front of me,

Divulging secrets and truths, not found in books.

Better than seeking answers to life,

With esteemed authorities and wise figure,

Is to ask oneself everyday,

"Have you noticed a falling leaf today?"