A profound Shloka

Om Poornamadah poornamidam poornat poorna mudachyate
Poornasya poornamaadaya poornameva vashishyate

Meaning: That (consciousness) is full (perfect and complete), this (its manifest forms and matter) are also full. The fullness of manifest forms is projected from the fullness of the consciousness. When both merge, what remains is fullness.

I feel uplifted everytime I read this shloka. I have no experience of the universal consciousness that this one talks about, but its interesting to note that the material world has been derived from an abstract source that is perfect, complete and full.

Vinayaka Chavithi, Sep 11 2010

Its Vinayaka chavithi/Ganesh Chaturthi. Luckily, all that was required was available in the desi store except for Palavelli (the wooden mesh above the idol). So, thats our home made palavelli.

Reminded me of an old favorite story of how Lord Ganesha came to write the epic Mahabharat. Ved Vyas, who was supposed to have witnessed the happenings of Mahabharat, was advised by Lord Brahma to pen down the epic so it can be passed onto to the future generations. Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles, was chosen to be the writer. Lord Ganesha agreed to write the Mahabharat as Vyas dictated, with one condition that Vyas would not pause while he dictates. Vyas agreed and put forth his condition, that Lord Ganesha would write only after he understands what has been dictated. Thus the epic was written.

Violin concert, Sep 10 2010

Dr L V Subramanian, his son Ambi and their team in concert at Naperville. One of the best i have been to in recent times.

Niagarrraaaaah - Sep 5, 2010

No words....power of the elements supersede all human effort and Niagara is proof.