Tuesday, August 15, 2006

"One" Day Maataram... Ye Kahaan Reh Gaye Hain Hum?


They loved their Mother. Not just as a motherland, but as a real Mother. They bled for it. They sacrificed for it. They lived for it. They died for it...

And NOT just for The Mother. For the children of this Mother. For all the people living in it. For them, for you, for me...


They underwent pain, torment, humiliation, agony, imprisonment, estrangement from their families for weeks and months at a stretch... They sometimes considered the court-room to be their playground, with a lot of "fun-filled" eventualities following the proceedings.

They went on strikes, infinite and infintely long hunger-strikes included. They embraced the hardships being manifested unto them with pride. And more importantly, with non-violence.

Who were "they"? They were THE most important people in the history of our country. The people, without whom this life of absolute freedom and independence would just have remained yet another unfulfilled dream. Without whom, we would still be existing in servitude, being at the beck and call of our masters. These were the noblest of souls to have walked the vast lands of our nation... The Freedom Fighters.

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Balgangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaq... just to name a few. But these were not the only ones. There were hundreds of thousands more, joining not just hands, but spirits too, in the National Struggle for Freedom.

I sometimes think that it is very easy to comment and criticise the actions and decisions taken by these great men under difficult circumstances, most of which we can't even imagine. But right now, I wont get into this thought much, because it will require an entirely new post.

Right now, I just want to think about what happened today evening, on the 15th of August 2006, our 59th Independence Day.

After a long and hassled day at work, I was returning home. There is a cross-road right next to our office building. I reached the cross-road, and was waiting for the signal to turn green. Now, something really strange yet very typical of our "Indian Civillian System" occured. Even before the traffic signal could turn green, allowing my side of the traffic to start moving, people started moving on their own will. The signal was still red. I stood there, moving just a little bit further, albeit forcefully, because the "gentleman" behind me wanted to join in with the "GOTRTSRO" (Gang Of The Royal Traffic-Signal Rule Offenders) and move on with the flow. Somehow, I could not move ahead with them. It just didn't feel right. I had this recurrent thought in my mind, telling me that these traffic signals are there in place for a reason, which somehow, unfortunately, my fellow brethren (for whom I used to take the "pledge" each morning in school) could not understand. Someone behind me in the long queue of people even encouraged me to join the others. Yet, I waited, til the signal would be green. And I feel proud... Not of the others, but of myself. For doing the right thing. Not that I should be nominated for the Nobel Prize or something, but because I just did one thing which was correct.

The incident doesn't stop here. I moved towards my home, taking the daily route. I approached the next cross-road, from where I had to take a left-turn. There was a small traffic-jam at that point of time. Again, I noticed something very strange and of course very typical of our "way of life". There was some sort of routine inspection of driving licences and vehicles RC papers in progress. A couple of two-wheeler riders had been stopped and were being inspected. Now, there was another compatriot of mine, who in his regular fashion was not carrying his papers which he is supposed to. The person inspecting him, however, did not seem very concerned about this fact. Rather, he was more interested in the other aspect of the whole scene, The "Capital Relief", both for himself and the person being inspected. The two-wheeler rider, in complete and absolute view of one and all around him, dug into pockets, took out a 100 Rupee note, handed it over to the person inspecting him, shook hands with him, and left off. Some "relief" for both, I was forced to think...

"Vande Mataram...

Mera Bharat Mahaan...

I Love My Country...

Proud To Be An Indian..."


Time to think... Am I really proud to be an Indian? Come to think of it... All this happened on the day we celebrate our INDEPENDENCE. A blessing that has been bestowed upon us by the heroes I mentioned above... Would they REALLY be proud of THIS India? Is this what they had fought for? What they had laid down their lives for?

We feel proud of the fact that India is the fastest growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, the second fastest growing major economy in the world, and will be the fastest growing economy in Asia by 2010. But, do we really maintain the basic discipline to call ourselves the kind of Indians that our true heroes had dreamt of?

The way I see things happening, there is a sudden upsurge and spurt of "Indianness" and a feeling of "patriotism" in the country only on three different occasions...
1) The Republic Day - 26th of January;
2) The Independence Day - 15th of August; and
3) an India-Pakistan Cricket Match.
*
*
*
*
*

And then, what do we do? Blame the country's governing system for our plights and quandaries.

Time for me to take a break and think it over. You do that too... Think.

'Til the next time we meet.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.


{P.S.:- In case you might not know what the basic purpose of a traffic signal is, or might have forgotten and would want to take a crash-course, hit here.}




© Prateek Sharma Aug 2006

Monday, July 24, 2006

"Hush, Little Baby, Don't Say A Word..."



"You're my friend. I want to tell u something. Something that happened with me. I want u to listen. Why? 'Coz you're someone who will understand, who will know what goes in my mind, who will accept it the same way, who won't turn into a broadcasting tower... Or will you???"

"You're my friend. I want to tell u something. Something that I feel isn't really right, neither for u, nor for me. Why? 'Coz you're someone who will understand, who will know what goes in my mind, who will accept it the same way, who won't turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to what I say... Or will you???"

Two different situations. Two different reactions. Something like that just happened in the last 2 days. Life shows u many faces.

I know this seems a little absurd and a bit obscure. Will scribble more on this soon. Don't feel like doin' it right now. Will return. In the meantime, you can
think a little on this, if u will.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.





© Prateek Sharma Jul 2006

Sunday, July 23, 2006

A Little Add-On Can Make Things Better



Plain curd. Simple, tastes ok.
Add a little sugar or salt'n'pepper. Tastes better.

A Chicken McGrill. Tastes very nice.
Add some extra cheese. Tastes superb now.

A multimedia comp. Works just fine.
Add good speakers. Sounds awesome now.

You're ready to hit the club, donning your latest party-outfit.
Add a bracelet, a neck-piece and perhaps a designer pair of shades, alongwith your deo. Now, you're glamorous.


Noticed anything? Something common in all the above examples?
Well, of course u did. And it was the power of a small add-on that improved and beautified the thing or object it was added to. Isn't it?

This is how sometimes even the smallest of things, perhaps negligible at times can make things turn-around so much, that even u r astonished at the outcome. I perceive this astonishment in terms of happiness. Of course, anything that is better than before, and is yours, will definitely make u feel happier than before.

This is exactly how I am feeling right now. I started scribbling on this blog quite sometime back. Gradually, I started beautifying and ornamentalising my baby. Today, I added a few things to my page. A few tabs, some add-ons that made me feel good. Not because they will somehow help me in getting better ratings for my blog, or that it will be a visual treat to the people who will stop by and cast a curious glance over it. But, because I did something new... something which I didn't know how to do. Just learnt it, and did it. Makes me feel happy.

Small things in life sometimes do make a lot of difference, don't u
think?

I'll take some time-out, delve a little in my happiness, and be back to scribble some more. Stay tuned.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.




© Prateek Sharma Jul 2006

Friday, July 21, 2006

What's Your Point? Is It "The Vanishing Point"??



Vanished. Suddenly. Without notice. Off to where? What now? What am I gonna do now? So much that I had put in... all gone? What's next? Where do i find help? How? When? Who? Where? Why?...

And a plethora of other questions made the rounds in the mind. Suddenly, one fine day, and that day being 3 days ago, I just tried to open my own blog. This same one. Just to check how my baby is looking today... But, alas... It wasn't there. I thought maybe it's some kinda tech prob, which I am not aware of, and in just a li'l while. it'll be back.

Two hours later... Still no sign. "Might be the same problem, or maybe some other problem... Don't worry... It'll be back. Don't worry so much...". That was what i tried to tell myself. Felt like an anxious father, who is eagerly waiting for his kid to come back home from the playground. But, when the kid doesn't return, he becomes restless. He tries to search, goes to the same playground, but when he doesn't find the kid, he is tensed. Doesn't know what to do.

That's exactly how I felt when suddenly out of the blue, almost all the blogs that I used to read as well as my own, were blocked. Reason being that there was some problem to somebody due to some blog, but when that certain blog was supposed to be blocked, the entire blogspot blogging community suffered. Almost everyone must hv felt the way I did...

Strange, how at times some actions are undertaken to fulfill some requirements, but the effect is such that not just the problem, a lot of other things are also eradicated, necessary or otherwise.
Negligence? Lethargy? Procrastination? How do i term it?

I do not know, and now I do not care.

You guys
think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.




© Prateek Sharma Jul 2006

Friday, April 14, 2006

Can I Say Something...?



Long time... Long long time... Really a long time...

U might be wondering what in heaven's name am I doin'? Well, I was just reiterating the fact that I hvn't visited my own creation in a very very long time...

Started writing this post some months back... The fourth day of April, to be precise. But somehow, in a very weird fashion, lost interest as soon as I started it... Saved the draft, and started doing something else... I do not remember what that "something else" was, but I hv infinite reasons to believe that it must hv been work...

Thought of writing again, opened the draft, took a good look at it, n then saved it again, n pushed off to something else again... Work, again, I presume.

Then, finally, or so I thought, I logged in again and tried to scribble down something, but then again the oh-so-familiar routine repeated itself... Need I point out again what I did?

Strange, isn't it? Weird, how at times u really find it soooooo difficult to actually fulfill what u hv started... To run after ur passion(s)... Time becomes the most essential yet the scarcest of commodities... U hv the time, the will and the resources to do it, yet u find no time... Right now I'm a lil confused abt this... It might be apparent...

Well, u guys
think a little... I'll be right back after a short break... Hv to ponder over few things...

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.




© Prateek Sharma Apr 2006

Friday, March 17, 2006

Never Opened Myself This Way...



Was a little upset for sometime... Had been goin' through a lotta mental turmoil for quite a long time. Wasn't actually able to find a way out... Seemed like everything was over... Was too much for me to bear... Then last night, after I reached home, I started listening to my Gods... And then this one song popped-up suddenly. The words are not too great, the lyrics perhaps not the best in the world, but there's somethin' abt this song that soothes the one listening to it...

There come so many times in a person's life when things seem down. Hope becomes the last word... In times like this, this one song might be able to help u regain ur mind a bit... given that u understand what the song is all about...

Here it is...


So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know...

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know...

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say...
And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us, something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters...

Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No, nothing else matters.... *

Hope this song helps u also in ur time of need and mental peace...

And maybe u might want to think a little too...

Keep ur eyes comin' back...


Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.





© Prateek Sharma Mar 2006


* Source:- encycmet.com

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

The Bleedin' Of Me...





I was just listening to a probably one of the best songs (by my all-time favourite band, Metallica) called "Bleedin' Me" . Somehow this song seems so relatable at this given point of time in my life. I can't really exlpain more... Just go thru it, if u will...



"I'm diggin' my way
I'm diggin' my way to somethin'
I'm diggin' my way to somethin' better
I'm pushin' to stay
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin'
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin' better

I'm sowing the seeds
I'm sowing the seeds I take
I'm sowing the seeds I take for granted
This thorn in my side
This thorn in my side is from the tree
This thorn in my side is from the tree I've planted

It tears me and I bleed
And I bleed

Caught under wheels roll
I take the leash, I'm bleeding me
Can't stop to save my soul
I take the leash that's bleeding me
I'm bleeding me
Oh, I can't take it
Caught under wheels roll
Oh, the bleeding of me
Oh, of me
The bleeding of me

Caught under wheels roll
I take the leash, I'm bleeding me
Can't stop to save my soul
I take the leash that's bleeding me
I'm bleeding me
Oh, I can't take it
Caught under wheels roll
Oh, the bleeding of me
Oh, the bleeding of me

I am the beast that bleeds the feast
I am the blood, I am release
Come make me pure, bleed me a cure
I'm caught, I'm caught, I'm caught under

Caught under wheels roll
I take that leash, I'm bleeding me
Can't stop to save my soul
I take the leash that's bleeding me
I'm bleeding me
Oh, I can't take it
I can't take it
I can't take it
Oh, the bleeding of me

I'm diggin' my way
I'm diggin' my way to somethin'
I'm diggin' my way to somethin' better
I'm pushin' to stay
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin'
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin' better

With somethin' better..." *


Can u feel what this is all about?

Think.

Keep ur eyes comin' back...

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.




© Prateek Sharma Mar 2006



* Source:- Encyclopedia Metallica.

Friday, March 10, 2006

The Never-Ending Fall... The Abyss...




Ur feet lose ground. U lose balance. U bend forward, backward, sideways... towards every side. U try to stand still. It's hard. REALLY hard. But it is very difficult. It seems like an eternity before u can actually regain control. But as soon as u do, u lose it again. This time the intensity of the force that's making u fall is even higher. Beyond any measure, beyond ur control. No matter how hard ur tryin to stay put. Ur scared. Scared of so much. Of falling, of drowning, of not being able to save urself... and most of all... of death.
Scary, right? Of course it is. U wudn't know how scary it is unless u've been there. God forbid that u ever have to face such a situation in ur life. IF there is a God, anyway.
But then, there do come certains phases in ur life when u feel exactly the same. And most of the times u just want this phase to get over as soon as it can. U try. Try harder. Hardest in ur capabilities. Then when ur done trying and ur tired, desperation sets in. Now comes another phase. It's called PANIC. When this happens, ur in for trouble.
Ever seen or heard or read abt someone drown in water? U know what happens? There's water all around, and the person's goin' down. Faster than he can even think. He plunges deeper. He starts groping all around him for something to hold on to, but all that his hands can find is water. He tries to search for something firm below his feet, but again all that he can find is water. In his exhasperation of trying to stand firm, he tends to exert so much that he starts to exhaust all his reserve of energy. It's all burnt out. But to no avail. And in this moment, he does the one thing that he shouldn't do. He tries to breathe. But again, instead of air, he breathes water. The creator then becomes the ultimate destroyer. Now the guy has 3 seconds flat.
Scary, yet again, right? Of course it is.
This is how an abyss is. If you ever fall into one, you r completely unaware of how far u hv to fall. Whether u can find the pit is a question that most of the times can not be answered, becoz of the sheer depth of the abyss.
U might find urself in such a situation, not literally, but metaphorically.
What can u do to avoid such a situation? The answer lies with u... But NOT just u...
Isn't it?


Think.


Keep ur eyes comin' back.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.



© Prateek Sharma Mar 2006

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Space n' Time... How Much???? {Part I}




Friendships. Relationships. Many other associations with ppl around u. Everyone has these in his/her life. Some have more, some less. Some are blessed 'coz they have some real good quality ppl in their lives. Some, on the other hand, are not so blessed. Call it fate, or whatever pleases u.

Now, when u r into any of these (frndships, relationships etc.), the one most important thing that everyone advises u, and which sooner or later dawns upon u, is that u hv to give each other the proper time and space, so that both ppl concerned do not feel suffocated or cramped, and they get the required respect they deserve.

In every such equation that u share with others, some conflicts are bound to happen. They might be over big issues, or over very petty things. Sometimes they just happen, maybe because the lack of it. (U know, just becoz there hvnt been any conflicts or disagreements for a long time, they happen.) And there is this strong belief in my head that for any relationship to actually grow, certain disagreements and conflicts are very much required.

But certain things again hv to be kept in mind. "How much" is the question. If u can strike a balance there, nothing can go wrong. Obviously, things are not 100% under ur control, but then by knowing this balance, u can eliminate most of the chances of things goin' wrong.

Then again, this is NOT the only balance that has to be maintained. Hereafter comes the bundle of the two most important things that have to be taken care of.

1. Space.
2. Time.
Well, I am not talkin' abt the concepts of physics here, even though it might seem like that. (Listing the two points like that reminds me of my old physics workbook that I had in school!!)
Space is a very complicated term, yet very simple. Some people understand its meaning very clearly, some do not. Then there are some who have to be educated in this aspect.
Some people are naturally very good at giving others around them a lot of space. Sometimes so much, that people might spill out too! But usually, they just give the right amount required.
Some people, on the other hand, are not so good at it. They feel the other people a little cramped. They don't give them any space to think, to act, to react. This becomes a little taxing for almost all of the people involved. This situation, if left unchecked and unamended, might lead to grave consequences. The occurance of the word "grave" here is not a coincidence. It finally leads the frndship/relationship to the grave, not at all resting in peace.
The second aspect is Time. Again, the two kinds of people that I was talkin' abt in the preceding paragraph are to be found in this situation. Time IS required by one and all to make anything work for them. Time to think, to analyse, to like, to hate, to feel guilty... Thousands of things require time.
The one thing that matters after all this is that how much of both the elements should be given and taken by both the sides concerned? Do we take out time to think abt it?
I'm sure most of us have seen splendid friendships being formed because of the proper balance, and many being completely destroyed, either slowly or rapidly.
Isn't it?
It would be good if u wud think a little on this. I am sure certain things could be corrected, if there IS anything going wrong at all.

Right?

Will write more on this soon. Til that time, keep ur eyes comin' back.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.



© Prateek Sharma Mar 2006

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Choosin' My Confessions...


A lot of things happen in a person's life. Many things certainly affect the course of ur life in more ways than one. Sometimes these effects are short-lived, while sometimes they affect u for such a long time that it feels like a whole life-time. If the effects are good, u dont want them to change... That's pretty easy to understand.


But, when these effects r unfavourable, things that make u sad, make u feel low, very low at times... those r the times when u want that things shud get back to the way they initially were.


Many things lead to this situation. Sometimes, there r circumstances, that neither u nor anyone else can change. Sometimes, u and/or others surrounding u r at fault. Well, not exactly at "fault", but maybe not right at that given point of time.


Things might worsen if u r at one end and there r more than one people at the other, and poles become the order of the day. This polarity might lead to further complications. That's because more often than not, there is power in number. And obviously, "one" IS less than "many". When such a situation arises, u find urself under a barrage of a series of questions and at times accusations. Because of the difference in the polarity, the flow becomes one-way. U find urself at the recieving end, hardly getting any chance to speak ur heart out. Sometimes u listen quietly, not knowing what else to do. Rather, mostly u listen.
U might as well understand that it takes two to tango. If there is something that went wrong, then there are somethings that both sides did wrong. U understand urs. And then...
And then u take the courage to say it out loud. To admit that u had been wrong at some places and u want to remove all such happenings from the future. U really want it from the bottom of ur heart. U take a long time to choose ur words. To frame what u wanna say. U go through it in ur mind, over n over again... so many times that u virtually remember what u want to say. Finally, ur doin' something that u hadn't ever thought u wud do... Ur choosin' ur confessions...
But... u find that u can't really confess those confessions to the ones that u want to... Again, many reasons, and possible explanations for those reasons... Some u buy, but some u really don't...
What r u supposed to do now? What abt the confessions u hv chosen?
U been there?
How does it feel?

Think. And confess.


Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.



© Prateek Sharma Mar 2006

Coming Back To Life...




Somehow this song very much explains certain things that hv been happening for sometime... Dun wanna explain more... Just read... and think...

Where were you
When I was burned and broken
While the days slipped by
From my window watching
Where were you
When I was hurt and helpless
Because the things you say
And the things you do surround me

While you were hanging yourself
On someone else's words
Dying to believe
In what you heard
I was staring straight
Into the shining sun

Lost in thought
And lost in time
While the seeds of life
And the seeds of change were planted

Outside the rain
Fell dark and slow
While I pondered on
This dangerous but irresistible pastime
I took a heavenly ride
Through our silence
I knew the moment had arrived
For killing the past
And coming back to life


I took a heavenly ride
Through our silence
I knew the waiting had begun
And headed straight..
Into the shining sun... *


U been in such a state ever? Then u know how it feels...

If u've not, try to
think.


Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.




© Prateek Sharma Mar 2006



* Source:- SongMeanings.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Which Brings Us At Last To The Moment Of Truth, Wherein The Fundamental Flaw Is Ultimately Expressed.... "HUH????"



U seen The Matrix? And what abt the sequels? How'd u find them? Confusin' at times, right? Well, that was the idea! Things that r not easily comprehensible r made all the more confusing, so that even if u r able to and can decipher the actuality behind the basic purpose of the action, u might, n most probably, will be somehow stopped from doing so.

U'd think even this last line was confusing. Well, if u think this was, just go through the matter that follows.

This is the actual transcript of the famous dialogue that happened between Neo and The Architect, when Neo enters the door behind which the Creator is sitting.


If this doesn't confuse u, ur gifted... It took me a couple of reads to fully understand its meaning.

Ready? Ok then, here we go!!!!




Architect: Hello Neo.

Neo: Who are you?

Architect: I am the Architect. I created the Matrix I've been waiting for you.
You have many questions, and though the process has altered your consciousness you remain irrevocably human ergo some of my answers you will understand, and some of them you will not.
Concordantly, while your first question may be the most pertinent, you may or may not realise it is also the most irrelevant.

Neo: Why am I here?

Architect: Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the matrix. you are the eventuallity of an anomaly which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden asciduously avoided it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you inexorably....here

Neo: You haven't answered my question.

Architect: Quite right. Interesting...that was quicker than the others.

(TV "Neo"s:
Others [how many others?] what others? answer my question!)

Architect: The matrix is older than you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next, in which case this is the 6th version.

(Tv Neos:
5 ones before me? 4...3..2.. what are you talking about? There are only 2 possible explanations, either no one told me....)
Neo: ...or no one knows.

Architect: Precisely. As you are undoubtedly gathering, the anomaly is systemic--creating fluctuations in even the most simplistic equations.

(Tv Neos:
You can't contol me!
I'm gonna smash the wall
I'll fukkin kill you!
etc..)

Neo: Choice. The problem is choice.

Cut to Trinity vs Agent.

Architect: The first Matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect, it was a work of art...flawless, sublime. And triumphed equally only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being. Thus. I redesigned it based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However, I was again frustrated by failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind, or perhaps a mind less bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus the answer was stumbled upon by another--An intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the matrix, she would undoubtedly be its Mother.

Neo: The Oracle.

Architect: Please. As I was saying, she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99% of all test subjects accepted the program, as long as they were given a choice...even if they were only aware of the choice at a near unconscious level. While this answer functioned, it was obviously fundamentally flawed, thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly, that if left unchecked might threaten the system itself. Ergo those that refused the program, while a minority, if unchecked would constitute an escalating probablility of disaster.

Neo: This is about Zion.

Architect: You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed--its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existance eradicated.

Neo: Bullshit
(TV Neos:
Bullshit!
Bullshit!
Bullshit!)

Architect: Denial is the most predictable of all human responses, but rest assured...this will be the 6th time we have destroyed it, and we have become exceedingly efficient at it.


Cut to Trinity vs Agent

Architect: The function of the One is now to return to the Source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which, you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals--16 females, 7 male--to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash, killing everyone connected to the Matrix, which coupled with the extermination of Zion will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.

Neo: You won't let it happen. You can't. You need human beings to survive.

Architect: There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However the relevant issue is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibility of the death of every human being on this world.
It is interesting reading your reactions. Your 5 predecessors were, by design, based on a similar predication--a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species, facilitating the function of the One. While the others experienced this in a very general way, your experience is far more specific--vis a vis..love.

Neo: Trinity.

Architect: Appropos, she entered the matrix to save your life, at the cost of her own.

Neo: No...

Architect: Which brings us at last to the moment of truth, wherein the fundamental flaw is ultimately expressed, and the anomaly revealed as both beginning and end.
There are two doors. The door to your right leads to the Source, and the salvation of Zion. The door to your left leads back to the matrix, to her and to the end of your Species. As you adequately put, the problem is choice. But we already know what you are going to do, don't we? Already, I can see the chain-reaction--the chemical precursors that signal the onset of an emotion, designed specifically to overwhelm logic and reason--an emotion that is already blinding you from the simple and obvious truth...she is going to die, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.

Architect: Hope. It is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength and your greatest weakness.

Neo: If I were you, I would hope that we don't meet again.

Architect: We won't.

Neo exits out of the left door.







Phew!!!


Isn't that amazing? That's what I call communication!!!


Think.


Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Monday, February 20, 2006

Laugh-a-Little, Cos Confucius Says!! {Part I}




Been sometime again since I last blogged. Well, hv been thinking abt a lotta things, but somehow cudn't find the time to blog. Will do so at the earliest.

I just came across some really nice Confucius jokes. Thought I'll post 'em here. Fun to read. After all life is not just abt thinking all the time, isn't it!!!!! Here we go...


1 - Virginity like bubble, one prick - all gone.

2 - Man who run in front of car get tired.

3 - Man who run behind car get exhausted.

4 - Man with hand in pocket feel cocky all day.

5 - Foolish man give wife grand piano, wise man give wife upright organ.

6 - Man who walk through airport turnstile sideways going to Bangkok.

7 - Man with one chopstick go hungry.

8 - Man who scratch ass should not bite fingernails.

9 - Man who eat many prunes get good run for money.

10 - Baseball is wrong; man with four balls cannot walk.

11 - Panties not best thing on earth, but next to best thing on earth.

12 - War does not determine who is right; war determine who is left.

13 - Wife who put husband in doghouse soon find him in cat house.

14 - Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night.

15 - It take many nails to build crib, only one screw to fill it.

16 - Man who drive like hell bound to get there.

17 - Man who stand on toilet is high on pot.

18 - Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.

19 - Man who fish in other man’s well often catch crabs.

20 - Man who fart in church sit in own pew.

21 - Crowded elevator smell different to midget.


Hehehehehe...

And maybe, even in this post u might find something to
think about.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.



© Prateek Sharma Feb 2006

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Another Brick In The Wall...



"All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall."



A few lines from a very famous song. Perhaps the most famous song by the Gods of Psychedelic Rock., Pink Floyd. Do I need to put in an introduction for them? I personally see no scope or purpose. It would be an insult to them if I "introduce" them to you...

How many of us have heard this song? I'd say almost everyone whose eyes turn and return to this blog must hv heard this song at least once in his/her lifetime. And for those who hvn't heard, I really can't say much...

How many of us hum this song on and off? Again, I'd say the same thing...

Now comes the tricky part...

How many of us hv "understood" the meaning behind this song... The underlying message, the pain, the agony?

To be honest, I doubt that many of us have. But anyway, today I am not writing to explain the meaning of this masterpiece... I am writing just to make another point with the help of this song...

I was chatting with someone yesterday... Someone who has been very important in my life. Rather most important in one aspect. Anyway, we were discussing something and I was trying to make a point, which was very conveniently by-passed by the person I was talking to.
And suddenly I felt weird. VERY weird. The whole discussion seemed to come to an abrupt halt. Whatever I was trying to say just fell off into oblivion.

The feeling was almost the same that would be experienced by someone driving a car and crashing head-on into a very hard stone-wall. Some people do that on purpose, trying to break the wall with all their might, but end up being crushed themselves, with hardly a scratch inflicted on the wall.

In fact, there are times in everyone's life when they feel the same situation. U trying to make a point, trying to put ur ideas in someone else's head with all ur abilities, but nothing happens. ABSOLUTELY nothing. And then it's inevitable that u feel a little perplexed, a bit perturbed and a tinge frustrated. U feel like cryin' "WTF" out loud. But as soon as u try to, u realise that even those words would bounce back and hit ur own ears. So no point sayin' that too!

That reminded me of perhaps one of the most amazing and powerful walls of the world.
"The Great Wall of China". A wall that has been there since eternity. A wall that has been witness to so much. A wall tried to be grazed to the ground innumerable times. But the wall still lives. And will live. And it is NOT affected by ANYTHING. NOTHING AT ALL. No battering rams, no guns, no cannons... nothing. No matter how hard u try...

That's the tag I give to such "stone-walled" people.

What r u thinking? Are u identifying with such a situation happening ever in ur life?

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.



© Prateek Sharma Feb 2006

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Equality... An Equal Prospect?



It's a democratic nation. All of us have equal rights, responsibilities and duties. Equal opportunities too. Equality seems to be the order of the day. It's the most basic law of nature. Everything in nature, physical, metaphorical, mythological, biological... everything seeks a balance. An "Equilibrium". In mathematical terms, we call it a balanced equation. When one side of the expression equals the other.

Then comes the stark reality. Does it REALLY exist? Do u see deviations from the basic concept of equality around u? In the world ur living in? In the circle u move? At the place where u work? Ur home? Ur mind? ANYWHERE?

Liberties, behaviour, responsibilities, rewards... a lotta
jargon, u might be tempted to say. But look closely. Analyse. Be a little more critical in ur analysis. And then if I have been able to explain what I wanna say clearly, u'll know exactly what I mean.

There r times when ur really torn apart by
thinking over this. And the most persistent question that comes to ur mind more often than anything else is the most basic question of all. A question so basic that it's a child's favourite question thrown at his folks.... "WHY?"...

U been there? How does it feel?


Think.


Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.



© Prateek Sharma Jan 2006

Monday, January 23, 2006

11. Eyes Wide Shut



Long time no see... That's what someone wud say if they come across this blog and notice that I hvnt written anything in a long time.

Well, there are 2 things worth noticing here. The first is "SEE", and the other is, rather comically, "NOTICE".

There are times when we are just not ready to see and accept the obvious. Things that are right there in front of us, either in the open or hidden under some sort of a clout. Things that we ARE aware of, but are just afraid to accept. Probably things which are absolutely inevitable and there is just NO way u can turn things some other way. Yet...

Things change. People change. Friends change. Situations change... But we hardly accept what we know...

Then there are times when you are expected not to change. Be the same all the time. "SPREAD HAPPINESS". Laugh-a-lot. Crack jokes. Bring smiles on others' faces...

What when you are unable to do so, due to unexplainable reasons? Unexplainable to ur own self too...?

Is there anyone around u at that time when u need 'em most?

Have u been through such a phase ever?


Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.





© Prateek Sharma Jan 2006

Saturday, January 07, 2006

10. Because I Love You...



When U Were Only 5 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Asked Me: "What Is It?"

When U Were 15 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Blushed.. U Look Down And Smiled..

When U Were 20 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Put Ur Head On My Shoulder And
Held My Hand.. Afraid That I Might Dissapear..

When U Were 25 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Prepared Breakfast And Served It In
Front Of Me, And Kissed My Forhead N
Said : "U Better Be Quick, Is's Gonna Be Late.."

When U Were 30 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Said: "If U Really Love Me, Please
Come Back Early After Work.."

When U Were 40 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Were Cleaning The Dining Table And
Said: "Ok Dear, But It's Time For U To Help Our Child With His/Her Revision.."

When U Were 50 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Were Knitting And U Laughed At Me..

When U Were 60 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..
U Smiled At Me..

When U Were 70 Yrs Old. I Said I Love U..
We were Sitting On The Rocking Chair With Our Glasses On.. I'm Reading Your Love Letter That U Sent To Me 50 Yrs Ago..With Our Hands Crossing Together..
.
.
.
.
When U Were 80 Yrs Old, U Said U Love Me!
I Didn't Say Anything But Cried..

That Day Must Be The Happiest Day Of My Life! Because U Said U Love
Me!!! Please Appreciate Your Loved Ones.. Say "I Love You" To Them When U
Have The Chance Now!!!

Have U ever delayed saying it to someone who loves u?

Think.


Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.





© Prateek Sharma Jan 2006