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Half‑Way Up the Mountain: Heights, Depths, and the Twilight Way
Some people wake at 3:30 a.m. because stress keeps them up. I’ve been waking at 3:30 a.m. because creative stress gets me up. A former colleague — now a Partner at Korn Ferry — recently shared research on why CEOs find themselves wide‑eyed in the dark hours. For me, those hours have become a quiet crucible of…
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The Iron Bar, Birkenstock Sandals and the Moon
The post explores the concept of value beyond just monetary measurements, illustrating that true worth often lies in relationships and context. It uses metaphors like an iron bar versus diamonds to highlight how value shifts depending on the situation. Anecdotes about personal connections, such as friendships and acts of kindness, demonstrate that some things money…
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Freedom, WiFi and the Wheel of Life
On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, the reflection on freedom is profound, emphasizing that while a nation can declare independence, individuals may still be bound by inner chains of craving and fear. The Buddha’s teachings highlight the difference between tanha (thirst) and chanda (wholesome impulse), suggesting that true freedom comes from mindful awareness…
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The Sutra of Wings …a single wing that carries all the flights.
The narrative reflects on a personal transformation experienced by the author during a significant life transition—leaving a long-term job. It metaphorically contrasts the eagle, symbolizing freedom and strength, with butterflies representing resilience and transformation. Through the metaphor of migrating butterflies, the author explores themes of dependency, identity, and the necessity of trusting one’s inner instincts…
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A maskless face in a boundless stage..
The post explores the concept of identity and performance in daily life, drawing from Erving Goffman’s ideas on social interactions as theatrical. It discusses how people wear various “masks” depending on their environment, often losing their authentic selves. Reminiscing about moments in his career, the author emphasizes the importance of recognizing unsung contributions in a…
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The Alphabet of Presence: On Mind, Metaphor, and the Mirror That Refuses to Reflect…
The text reflects on the journey of learning and understanding, emphasizing that true knowledge transcends mere information. It illustrates how initial concrete learning transforms into abstract concepts through experiences. The author shares personal anecdotes about returning to education and engaging with deep philosophical questions, highlighting the fluidity of ideas like gender and consciousness. Ultimately, it…
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The Stone Bridge…
The author reflects on the significance of moments and relationships beyond designated days for appreciation, emphasizing that life should not be reduced to a checklist of obligatory sentiments. They express a deep appreciation for their father’s imperfections and life lessons, revealing personal struggles as a parent. Through Zen teachings, the importance of recognizing the contributions…
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Zendo Chronicles: “Shukke Tokudo”. Moving to Homeless Home…
The narrative reflects on the spiritual journey of the author, inspired by Fr. AMA’s teachings on Zen and the concept of Shukke Tokudo, or leaving home for a deeper understanding of life and spirituality. It emphasizes that true detachment doesn’t require abandoning life’s attachments but recognizing that one’s true home transcends physical locations. Moments of…
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Navigating the Seas of Life with Relation-ships: Sailing, Sinking, and Staying Afloat
The blog reflects on the intricacies of relationships, likening them to ships navigating life’s turbulent seas. The author draws parallels between personal experiences and shared human connections, emphasizing that relationships can be chosen, chosen by others, or are simply fate. It discusses unconditional bonds and the significance of emotional support in navigating life’s challenges, particularly…
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Out of Office! or “Out of Life “ : Replies ….“In the presence of absence”!
The author reflects on their past experience collecting humorous “Out of Office” replies and the impact of a colleague’s farewell message, reigniting their interest in writing. This leads to introspection about workplace culture, happiness, and creativity, ultimately drawing inspiration from Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry while pondering the depth of emotional writing.
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Zendo Chronicles: An Extraordinarily ordinary life of a Zen master…
The post reflects on a quote from the Tao Te Ching, illustrating the relationship between a teacher and a student in the context of Zen philosophy. The author shares personal insights from Zen Master AMA, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and embracing life’s natural flow instead of adhering to rigid plans. It…
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Zendo Chronicles: The ENSO of life!
The content reflects on the Zen concept of ENSO, symbolizing emptiness and the cyclical nature of life. The author shares personal experiences surrounding grief, loss, and spiritual growth after losing loved ones, including their father. Through an exploration of Vipassana meditation and Zen practices, the author finds meaning, connection, and renewal. Encountering the same room…
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Zendo Chronicles: Old year irresolution….
The author reflects on the tradition of New Year resolutions, noting the widespread obsession with goal-setting and personal assessment. They describe their journey through various phases of resolution-making and highlight the shift from rigid goals to a more fluid approach to life. Emphasizing mindfulness, the author shares insights from a Zen perspective, advocating for living…
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Zendo chronicles: The doors of Compassion….
The narrative reflects on experiences at the Little Flower Zendo, focusing on the significance of mindful actions, particularly in closing doors, as emphasized by Thich Nhat Hanh and Thomas Merton. The author recounts their meditation journey, highlighting the importance of punctuality and grace in actions. Personal reflections reveal moments of emotional closure in relationships, likening…
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Zen Chronicles: the Orange to Joy on the WAY…
The author reflects on the transformative power of commitment, inspired by a passage from William Hutchison Murray. Emphasizing the idea that taking action prompts opportunities and support, they share personal experiences of both successes and failures in life. Engaging in Zen practice over twelve years, they highlight the simple joys of daily walks in nature…
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¡Felices Fiestas! ( Happy Holidays and Season’s greetings.)
The narrative recalls a multicultural experience during a consulting project in Muscat, involving team members from diverse backgrounds, including Spain, New Zealand, Scotland, and the US. The author fondly remembers shared moments, like a daring boat ride with their spirited project manager, Gab, who was enthusiastic about life and football. Through this project, the author…
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Recipe of Getafix’s magic potion!
The content revolves around the author’s nostalgia tied to the character Getafix from the Asterix series and his engineering college memories with friends, particularly reading comics and discussing life. It reflects on the disparity between talent and success, using the examples of cricketers Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar to highlight that true greatness requires more…
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An Egg Song. A proem to “Fallen flower, fragrant grass”
The post reflects on the metaphor of an “egg song,” celebrating the journey of writing and the fleeting nature of life as captured in Kumaranasan’s poem, “Veena Poovu.” The author shares personal experiences and inspirations from Zen philosophy and their Zen master, AMA Samy, emphasizing the significance of ordinary life and the cyclical nature of…
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Karpov’s World championships in Thenkara
The narrative reflects on the author’s childhood experiences with chess and family dynamics, particularly the rivalry with his brother, Sasi. The author recounts their introduction to chess by their father and the competitive spirit that evolved through informal matches, often ending in arguments. The story bridges childhood memories to contemporary insights as the author observes…
