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Chains of Belief: What I can not do... |
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I recently came across a narration (author unknown) as follows- ”As I was passing the elephants, I suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. I saw a trainer near by and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. "Well," he said, "when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it's enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free." I was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn't, they were stuck right where they were. Like the elephants, how many of us go through |
life hanging onto abelief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once or many times before?” Really, let us examine ourselves and make a list of what we believe we can not do. Or find out where we are
stuck in life and follow the thread to that belief of what we cannot do. “I won’t be able to deal with him/her.” “I cannot take up that challenge.” “I won’t be able to complete such a huge task.” “I cannot dream so big.” “I cannot…” And then results are- we are stuck in some relationship. Or we keep doing routine things devoid |
of all adventure and excitement. Or we give up too many things without completing any one till its logical end. Or we live a mediocre, lack-luster life. All these are because of a belief, a conditioning. How many billions of people ruin their potentials of life because of their own beliefs! And how many of them realize that the secret lies within them only? I wonder why there are no “Belief Clinics” in our society! Why people are not educated about this essential aspect of life? Imagine how much more peace, happiness and prosperity can be created if people are helped on this front. When I try to understand how much progress we still need to make, a thought suddenly strikes my mind that centuries later, people would think of our times as primitive and ignorant, as we think of 19th century today. Living in 21st century, then, is an illusion, unless we learn to break chains.
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Sanjiv Shah
| Sowing that which I want to reap later... | |
All who have visited Oasis Valleys know Mehul Panchal. A seeming calm looking guy has gone through an ocean of emotions and has crossed mountains of struggles within his heart, unknown even to his near and dear ones. He is a walking demonstration of how one can sculpt one’s life given some encouragement and support system. Mehul is an Electronics Engineer by qualification. He joined Oasis when he was yet doing his graduation. Attracted by the environment of friendship, he soon got involved in various activities and projects undertaken by Oasis. Regular self development sessions, camps, outings, social events etc brought out his self-confidence and creative side. By that time
he completed his graduation, started his career and later on leaving job, and got into the processes of becoming social welfare entrepreneur at Oasis. He slowly started recognizing his love for nature and environment, which led him to the state of farmers and agriculture in our country. When Oasis thought of creating a model institute for nation-building, he chose to take up the project of organic farming. What can be the stigma of being a farmer after having high educational qualifications, having opportunities of fat-cheque jobs or to go abroad, contemporary friends doing all these things? Against these emotional struggles, he was not in a position to prove himself quickly as organic farming, as the name suggest, is organic by nature and requires patience and values intact. Years went by without any solace of “success”. Then he was facing an immense struggle between an urban upbringing and a need to give up that for being a successful farmer. In several low moments, he felt trapped in a strange situation- he |
wanted to give up and he didn’t want to give up. The death of his father when he was about to get control of life again pulled him down. Income aside, he had to invest from personal inheritance to pay off some loans. All these were immensely painful issues for him. Mehul says, “The support of friends, all doing this unique struggle of finding their own mission, helped me. Many times I was tired, felt lonely and almost on the verge of
giving up. But I am glad I survived. Today I have brought my farming at a level of break-even and am now confident to create prosperity in the long term. I may have paid some heavy price as an individual initially, but I am glad that I am in a position to guide thousands of farmers in my lifetime now. I have no regrets about quitting traditional career and choosing an unconventional lifestyle, as I am happily looking forward to be a part of big solution for my country as well as planet.” Mehul has started educating farmers in neighborhood as he has a demonstration farm ready now. He is planning lot of events to now sensitize the future generations in coming years and decades. Write to him at mehul_oasis@yahoo.co.in if you want to share your feelings about what he has done in his life or if you want to be partner in his mission. |
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What Then Must We Do?- A sleep-disturbing book |
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This condensation of Leo Tolstoy's great book is offered to the new generation of young readers who may not have the time or patience to go through the original volume of over 300 pages. Some chapters have been abridged, while some have been entirely deleted. 'What Then Must We Do?’ was translated into Gujarati language in 1928. Perhaps it would be convenient to publish translations into other India languages based upon the condensation that is offered here. Mahendra Meghani “Not only the followers of Gandhi, but all those who nurture the desire of joy & happiness for humanity at large, should read this sacred text again & again.” Manubhai Pancholi |
An Oasis Publication Written by Leo Tolstoy Abridged by Mahendra Meghani
For inspiring books, DVDs / VCDs of movies contact: the OASIS shop |
“This is a very dangerous book. It awakens us, causes uneasiness, enlightens our religion. Kaka Kalelkar “All the disharmony and imbalances existing in the world today is because we have forgotten the natural law – the law of bread labour. Simply enough, Bread Labour means – he who does no labour, is not entitled to eat. Tolstoy’s language has a miraculous effect because he practiced what he preached.” Mahatma Gandhi |
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Recipe of Adupak - Heat 1 kg ginger shredded with 150 gm ghee till all water evaporates and it turns badami colour. Add 1 kg jaggery and allow it to melt nicely into the mix. Don't heat it too much, otherwise it becomes sticky. So at just right time add ganthoda, elchi, jayfal, pepper of your choice. Mix well and let it get cool.. |
| Editor's Note |
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With this issue we are starting once most popular column 'That's Oasis.' Responses from readers for this as well as overall ALIVE are eagerly awaited. - Team Alive |
Internet has shortened the distance and put together the best master pieces at one click. Oasis website aspires to be one of those master pieces. Right now a team headed by Umesh Patel is revamping the Oasis Website. If you have any suggestions /feedbacks for it, click fast, it would be just on time and very valuable for us.
At Washington DC- Feb 13, 16, 17: for L3 group Feb 14, 15: for Vesta Co. staff At Los Angeles- Feb 22-24: for L3 group Feb 25: for Highglow staff 31st January to 5th February: Book exhibition at Rajkot trade fair. 3rd to 10th February: At ‘Vidya 2008’ book fair organized by Surat Municipal Corporation. For more information about Oasis Workshops & programs
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| Publication Basket | |||||
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"Mahan Hrudayona SaReGaMaPaDhaNi"
Written by : Sanjiv Shah Pages: approx. 317 Rs. 300.00 One of the most scientific book on Character building available in Gujarati. So far thousands of copies sold and the workshops based on the contents of this book have inspired hundreds to discover the power of self leadership. "The Gift of Leadership"
Written by : Sanjiv Shah Pages: 80 Rs. 45.00 A journey of seeking the truth about Leadership, Leadership traits, abilities, ethics, roles and responsibilities. Contact : Pallavi Raulji Publication Co-ordinator, Oasis Publications the OASIS shop Vadodara, Gujarat For more information about Oasis Publications | |||||
Self Development Workshop for Oasis ASHA Bangalore team mates on 5-6 February.
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