<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title><![CDATA[Latest posts for the topic "INSPIRING STORIES"]]></title>
		<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/16.page</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Latest messages posted in the topic "INSPIRING STORIES"]]></description>
		<generator>JForum - http://www.jforum.net</generator>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”

"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”

God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”

-author unknown<font color='darkred'></font>[i]<font color='darkblue'></font><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: normal"></span>]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#6919</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#6919</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:31:22]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ This is fantastic you should post it in poetry

Ian]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7098</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7098</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:15:51]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Ian Paul]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Anand hi Anand
One day I decided to
quit...
I quit my job, my
relationship, my
spirituality...

I wanted to quit my
life. I went to the woods to have
one last talk with God.

"God", I said.
"Can you give me one good reason not to
quit?"

His answer surprised
me...

"Look around", He
said. "Do you see the fern and the
bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the
fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care
of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from
the earth. Its brilliant green covered
the floor.
Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the
bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew
more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came
from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on
the bamboo. He said.

"In year three there
was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I
would not quit.

In year four, again, there
was nothing from the bamboo
seed.

I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth
year a tiny sprout emerged from the
earth.

Compared to the fern it was
seemingly small and insignificant...But
just 6 months later the bamboo
rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years
growing roots. Those roots made it
strong and gave it what it needed to
survive.

I would not give any of my
creations a challenge it could not
handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have
been struggling, you have actually been growing roots"

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a
different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest
beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise" He asked in
return.

"As high as it can" I questioned.
"Yes." He said,

"Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story.

Never Give up.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7196</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7196</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:54:35]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ F R I E N D S

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING

THROUGH THE DESERT.

DURING SOME POINT OF THE

JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN

ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND

SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE

IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED

WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT

SAYING ANYTHING,

WROTE IN THE SAND:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND

SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,

UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,

WHERE THEY DECIDED

TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN

SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE

MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,

BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM

THE NEAR DROWNING,

HE W ROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND

SAVED MY LIFE ?.

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED

AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND

ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU,

YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,

YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE FRIEND REPLIED

"WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US

WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN

IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF

FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOME ONE DOES

SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,

WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE

WHERE NO WIND

CAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE

YOUR HURTS IN

THE SAND AND TO

CARVE YOUR

BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A

MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL

PERSON, AN HOUR TO

APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY

TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN

AN ENTIRE LIFE

TO FORGET THEM.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7197</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7197</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:55:36]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ We'll see

Once upon a time, there was a farmer in the central region of China. He didn't have a lot of money and, instead of a tractor, he used an old horse to plow his field.
One afternoon, while working in the field, the horse dropped dead. Everyone in the village said, "Oh, what a horrible thing to happen." The farmer said simply, "We'll see." He was so at peace and so calm, that everyone in the village got together and, admiring his attitude, gave him a new horse as a gift.

Everyone's reaction now was, "What a lucky man." And the farmer said, "We'll see."

A couple days later, the new horse jumped a fence and ran away. Everyone in the village shook their heads and said, "What a poor fellow!"
The farmer smiled and said, "We'll see."

Eventually, the horse found his way home, and everyone again said, "What a fortunate man."
The farmer said, "We'll see."

Later in the year, the farmer's young boy went out riding on the horse and fell and broke his leg. Everyone in the village said, "What a shame for the poor boy."
The farmer said, "We'll see."

Two days later, the army came into the village to draft new recruits. When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they decided not to recruit him.
Everyone said, "What a fortunate young man."
The farmer smiled again - and said "We'll see."

Moral of the story: There's no use in overreacting to the events and circumstances of our everyday lives. Many times what looks like a setback, may actually be a gift in disguise. And when our hearts are in the right place, all events and circumstances are gifts that we can learn valuable lessons from.

As Fra Giovanni once said:
"Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me... the gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence."

Author Unknown

  ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7315</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#7315</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:22:35]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.

He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames with smoke rolling up to the sky.

The worst had happened! Everything was lost!

He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger: "God, how could you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal!" they replied.

Moral of the story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground: it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

You may want to consider passing this on … because you never know who feels like their hut is on fire today!]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#9728</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#9728</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 21 Oct 2007 06:56:53]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ One day I decided to
quit...
I quit my job, my
relationship, my
spirituality...

I wanted to quit my
life. I went to the woods to have
one last talk with God.

"God", I said.
"Can you give me one good reason not to
quit?"

His answer surprised
me...

"Look around", He
said. "Do you see the fern and the
bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the
fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care
of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from
the earth. Its brilliant green covered
the floor.
Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the
bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew
more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came
from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on
the bamboo. He said.

"In year three there
was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I
would not quit.

In year four, again, there
was nothing from the bamboo
seed.

I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth
year a tiny sprout emerged from the
earth.

Compared to the fern it was
seemingly small and insignificant...But
just 6 months later the bamboo
rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years
growing roots. Those roots made it
strong and gave it what it needed to
survive.

I would not give any of my
creations a challenge it could not
handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have
been struggling, you have actually been growing roots"

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a
different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest
beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise" He asked in
return.

"As high as it can" I questioned.
"Yes." He said,

"Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story.

Never Give up.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10189</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10189</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:27:52]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ F R I E N D S

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING

THROUGH THE DESERT.

DURING SOME POINT OF THE

JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN

ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND

SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE

IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED

WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT

SAYING ANYTHING,

WROTE IN THE SAND:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND

SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,

UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,

WHERE THEY DECIDED

TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN

SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE

MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,

BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM

THE NEAR DROWNING,

HE W ROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND

SAVED MY LIFE ?.

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED

AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND

ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU,

YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,

YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE FRIEND REPLIED

"WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US

WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN

IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF

FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOME ONE DOES

SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,

WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE

WHERE NO WIND

CAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE

YOUR HURTS IN

THE SAND AND TO

CARVE YOUR

BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A

MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL

PERSON, AN HOUR TO

APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY

TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN

AN ENTIRE LIFE

TO FORGET THEM.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10190</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10190</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:28:43]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Brother Like That
A man named Brijesh received an automobile from his brother as a Diwali present. On Diwali when Brijesh came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shining new car admiring it. "Is this your car, Mister?" he asked.

Brijesh nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Diwali." The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated.

Of course Brijesh knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what this lad said jarred Brijesh all the way down to his heels.

"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."

Brijesh looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"

"Oh yes, I'd love that." After a short ride, the boy turned with his eyes aglow and said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?"

Brijesh smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Brijesh was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked.

He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Brijesh heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.

"There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Diwali and it didn't cost him a rupee. And someday I'm gonna give you one just like it...and you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Diwali celebrations that I've been trying to tell you about."

Brijesh got out and lifted the lad into the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Diwali, Brijesh learned what it meant when He had said: "It's more blessed to give..."

Remain blessed ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10191</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10191</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:29:23]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Footprints




One night a man had a dream. He dreamt he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints on the sand -- one belonging to him and the other to the Lord. When the last scene had flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints and he noticed only one set. He also noticed that this happened during the lowest and saddest times of his life. This bothered him and he questioned the Lord. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk all the way with me, but I noticed that during the most troublesome times of my life there was only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you deserted me."



The Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, those were the times when I carried you in my arms."]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10192</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10192</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:29:58]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A Mother’s Birthday Wish for Her Son

Believe in miracles. You are everything and more than we could have asked for. I look forward to the day when you read this and think that I was being an over protective mom because this disease no longer dictates your life.

May you always know how loved and special you are. May you grow to be a man who gives freely and thinks kindly. May you continue to aspire to greatness and not be discouraged with the stumbling blocks (we all fall, get back up son). May you become a thirsty learner and a leader and a man of your word. May you remember how lucky you are and support those less fortunate. Be bold, ask questions and face your life with courage and honor. May you always love with innocence. May you see in yourself what I already see in you at the tender age of one.

If I could climb every mountain for you, take away any pain or hardship and steer you always into the right direction, I would. Your life is still unwritten and there is beauty in that, you determine who you are and we can only guide you on your journey. I can’t promise you perfection, I can’t promise you much of anything, except that I know that we were kissed by an angel twice in our lives, with you and your sister, and that every second that I breathe I love you more than the last breath! That, I promise you, will never change!

Happy Birthday my beautiful, perfect giggly baby boy! This is your year,

XXOOXXX,]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10193</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10193</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:30:28]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Life's lesson No. 1
There once was a bunch of tiny frogs,...

... who arranged a running competition.



The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.



A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants...



The race began...



Honestly:



No one in crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.



You heard statements such as:

"Oh, WAY too difficult!!"

"They will NEVER make it to the top."

or:

"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"





The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one...

... Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher...



The crowd continued to yell,

"It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"





More tiny frogs got tired and gave up...



...But ONE continued higher and higher and higher...

This one wouldn't give up!





At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!



THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?




A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal?



It turned out...

That the winner was DEAF!!!!




The wisdom of this story is:



Never listen to other people's tendencies to be

negative or pessimistic...

...because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you -- the ones you have in your heart!



Always think of the power words have.

Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!



Therefore:



ALWAYS be...





POSITIVE!





And above all:




Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Always think:

God and I can do this!
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10194</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10194</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:30:59]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ ABRAHAM LINCON'S LETTER TO HIS SON'S TEACHER

He has to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not fair. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish Politician, there is a dedicated leader...

Teach him for every enemy there is a friend, It will take time, I know; but teach him if you can, that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found. Teach him to learn to lose... and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can, teach him the secret of quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that the bullies are seemingly victorious...
Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books...

But also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.
At school teach him it is honourable to fail than to cheat...

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong...

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is on the same wagon...
Teach him to listen to all men... but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him if you can, how to laugh when he is sad... teach him there is no shame in tears, Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness...

Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right. Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient... let him have patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will have sublime faith in mankind. This is a big order, but see what you can do... He is such a fine fellow my son!]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10195</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10195</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:31:35]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ ABRAHAM LINCOLN's LETTER TO HEADMASTER

A letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the Headmaster of a school in which his son was studying. It contains an advice, which is still relevant today for executives, workers, teachers, parents and students.

A WORD TO TEACHERS

"He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just and are not true. But teach him if you can, the wonder of books.. but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.

In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fall than to cheat.....

Teach to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him he is wrong.

Teach him to be gentle with gentlepeople and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone getting on the bandwagon...

Teach him to listen to all men; but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad... Teach him there is no shame in tears.

Teach him to scoff at cynics and to be beware of too much sweetness.. Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to highest bidders, but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob.. and stand and fight if thinks he is right.

Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient.. Let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will have faith in humankind.

This is a big order, but see what you can do. . He is such a fine little fellow my son!

- Abraham Lincoln"]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10196</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10196</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:32:05]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title></title>
				<description><![CDATA[   To Sir With Love

Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales
and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,
I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone,
Who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try,

If you wanted the sky I would write across the
sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, with Love

The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,
I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,
That's a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?

If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I would rather you let me give my heart,

To Sir, with Love ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10197</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10197</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:32:52]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A Fax From God

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

P.S.: And, remember..

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself !! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to share this with a friend; Thank you, you may have touched their life in ways you will never know!

Now, you have a nice day,

God]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10198</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10198</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:33:13]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Vivekananda, 
Very wise and also very funny

thanks for all of this. 

Lonnie]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10202</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#10202</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 8 Nov 2007 10:45:02]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ YH]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the treetop, ate the apples, and took a nap under the shadow. He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him. Time went by, the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree every day.

One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad.

"Come and play with me", the tree asked the boy.

"I am no longer a kid, I do not play around trees any more" the boy replied.

"I want toys. I need money to buy them."

"Sorry, but I do not have money, but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money."

The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.

One day, the boy who now turned into a man returned and the tree was excited.

"Come and play with me" the tree said.

"I do not have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?"

"Sorry, but I do not have any house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house". So the man cut all the branches of the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the man never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.

One hot summer day, the man returned and the tree was delighted.

"Come and play with me!" the tree said.

"I am getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. 

Can you give me a boat?" said the man.

"Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy."

So the man cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.

Finally, the man returned after many years. "Sorry, my boy. But I do not have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you", the tree said.

"No problem, I do not have any teeth to bite" the man replied.

"No more trunk for you to climb on".  Dec 22 (3 days ago)     

"I am too old for that now" the man said.

"I really cannot give you anything, the only thing left is my dying roots," the tree said with tears.

"I do not need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years," the man replied.

"Good! Old tree roots are the best place to lean on and rest, come sit down with me and rest." The man sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears.

This is a story of everyone. The tree is like our parents. When we were young, we loved to play with our Mum and Dad. When we grow up, we leave them; only come to them when we need something or when we are in
trouble.

No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could just to make you happy. You may think the boy is cruel to the tree, but that is how all of us
treat our parents. We take them for granted; we don't appreciate all they do for us, until it's too late. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#11894</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#11894</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 24 Dec 2007 21:46:35]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with cupcakes, several cans of root beer and started on his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he saw an elderly woman. She was sitting on a park bench watching the pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed the lady looked hungry so he offered her a cupcake. She gratefully accepted and smiled at him.

Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it again, so he offered a root beer as well. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling without saying a word.

As it began to grow dark, the boy realized how tired he was and wanted to go home. He got up to leave but before he had gone no more than a few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a big hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy arrived home his Mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked, What has made you so happy today He replied, I had lunch with God. Before his mother could respond he added, You know what She’s got the most beautiful smile in the whole world!

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face. He asked, Mother, what has made you so happy today She replied, I ate cupcakes in the park with God. And before her son could reply, she added, You know, he is much younger than I expected.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Take no one for granted and embrace all equally with joy! ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#11895</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#11895</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 24 Dec 2007 21:47:49]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ To Sir With Love

Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales
and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,
I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone,
Who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try,

If you wanted the sky I would write across the 
sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, with Love

The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,
I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,
That's a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?

If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I would rather you let me give my heart,

To Sir, with Love ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14825</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14825</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 1 Feb 2008 20:53:04]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A letter to the God
I respond with humility and thankfulness. Knowing that the Creator of all, the Ruler of the universe, is the God who loves me, fills me with wonder. Knowing that that love comes even though I don't deserve it, fills me with gratitude.
I have a great desire to know God better. This thirst for knowledge is not an intellectual exercise--a gaining of information--but it is a desire to have a more personal relationship with God. The better I know God through reading the spiritual scripture and through experiencing Him in my life, the more I love Him.
As my love grows, I learn to trust God. By definition of the word "sovereign", there is no one more trustworthy than God. God's unlimited knowledge, power, love and faithfulness make Him indisputably worthy of my trust. My trust is not based on how I see events unfolding, but on the very character of God. His actions will never go contrary to His nature..Can we see the events of our lives as part of God's plan? Can I trust that God is in control even when circumstances aren't going my way--even when there are difficulites and hardships? When I know God, I will know I can trust Him.
When I am able to trust, I am led to surrender. Surrender means letting God take charge of all aspects of my life and the lives of those I care about. He can do much better than I can with the circumstances and people in my life, so I can let God be God. My way ceases to be most important. I do not have to try to manipulate people and circumstances to bring about what I think is best; I let God do that. Surrender means letting go.Part of obedience is giving up my time and efforts to serve God. No worthwhile servant performs acts of service in order to make himself look good; rather, he serves for the good of the God ,and for the mankind... So my life must be, Regardless of what the task may be, I do it for God. God will always reward me for the service when it is done as an act of worship, work and love...for his creation.. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14826</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14826</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 1 Feb 2008 20:54:30]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ a man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.
SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make Rs.100 an hour."
SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow Rs.50?"
The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier,"said the man.
"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the Rs.50 you asked for."
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. 
"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.
"Daddy, I have Rs.100 now. Can I buy an hour  

Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son , and he begged for his forgiveness.It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts.

Do remember to share that Rs.100 worth of your time with someone you love.
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14827</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14827</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 1 Feb 2008 20:55:34]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ If we die tomorrow, the company/people that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14828</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#14828</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 1 Feb 2008 20:56:18]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Fern and the Bamboo.....

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." 

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help
you see that God will never give up on you........

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.
Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
Have a great day! The Son is shining!! ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17055</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17055</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 5 Mar 2008 12:01:41]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Don't react ... try to respond ....with awareness

The train has started moving. It is packed with people of all ages, mostly with the working men and women and young college guys and gals. Near the window, seated a old man with his 30 year old son. As the train moves by, the son is overwhelmed with joy as he was thrilled with the scenery outside.. 

" See dad, the scenery of green trees moving away is very beautiful" 

This behavior from a thirty year old son made the other people feel strange about him. Every one started murmuring something or other about this son."This guy seems to be a krack.." newly married Anup whispered to his wife. 

Suddenly it started raining... Rain drops fell on the travelers through the opened window. The Thirty year old son , filled with joy " see dad, how beautiful the rain is .." 

Anup's wife got irritated with the rain drops spoiling her new suit. 

Anup ," cant you see its raining, you old man, if ur son is not feeling well get him soon to a mental asylum..and dont disturb public henceforth" 

The old man hesitated first and then in a low tone replied " we are on the way back from hospital, my son got discharged today morning , he was a blind by birth, last week only he got his vision, these rain and nature are new to his eyes.. Please forgive us for the inconvenience caused..." 

The things we see may be right from our perspective until we know the truth. But when we know the truth our reaction to that will hurt even us. So try to understand the problem better before taking a harsh action. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17262</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17262</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:53:55]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ You are MADE By His Wondrous Ways!!!

 

In an antique shop, a couple was wandering around, looking for a special gift to remind them of this day, their 55th wedding anniversary.
Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so exceptionally beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke..........

"You don't understand," it said, "I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, Don't do that! I don't like it! Let me alone!", but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!" 

"Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!" I screamed, but the master only nodded and said, quietly, "Not yet." He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...... 

Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, "Not yet." 

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He
carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh,
that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. 

After I cooled, he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. "Oh please, stop it, stop it!" I cried. He only shook his head and said, "Not yet." 

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I Screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then, the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited........and waited, wondering, what he was going to do to me next.

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, "Look at yourself." and I did. I said, "That's not me, that couldn't be me. It's beautiful.....I'm beautiful!" 

Quietly he spoke: 

"I want you to remember ...

I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up ...

I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had
stopped, you would have crumbled ...

I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I
hadn't put you there, you would have cracked .... 

I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any colour in your life ..

If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held ...

Now you are a finished product ...

Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you." 

The moral of the story is this: 

God knows what He's doing [for each of us]. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfil His good, pleasing and perfect will. 

So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; When life seems too difficult, TRY THIS............ Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with The Potter.

 

"Listen to ur heart and follow ur mind..." 

]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17622</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17622</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:38:38]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Grandfather's Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. 

The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. 

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." 

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. 

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. 

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. 

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." 

The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. 

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. 

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. 

Let's respect elders and the problems that arise from age. Everyone of us will be old someday.
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17713</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17713</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:23:15]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ STARS IN OUR LIVES : in loving memory of ROSE.
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look  
around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me  
with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, 'Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years  
old. Can I give you a hug?'  
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze. 'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked.  
She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...'  
'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. 'I always dreamed of having a college education an d now I'm getting  
one!' she told me.  
After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we  
would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience  
with me.  
Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in  
the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.  
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and  
stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and  
simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.' 

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, 'We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and  
achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know  
it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.  
If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am  
eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.  
Anybody can grow older. That doe sn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no  
regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with  
regrets.' She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose.'  
She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had  
begun all those years ago.  
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.  
Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in trib ute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be  
all you can possibly be.  
These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.  
REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We  
make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give.  
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to  
it, He will bring you through it.  
If you choose not, then you refuse to bless someone else.  
'Good friends are like stars....... ..You don't always see them, but  
you know they are always there.' *  

]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17891</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17891</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:44:48]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Facts of life

------------------
 
A professor stood before his Philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.

He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.Of course, the sand filled up everything else.He asked once more if the jar was full.The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table andpoured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed."Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

"The golf balls are the important things-your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.
"The sand is everything else--the small stuff."If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

"The same goes for life."If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are 
important to you."Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.Play with your children."Take time to get medical checkups.
"Take your partner out to dinner."Play another 18."There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter."Set your priorities.

"The rest is just sand."One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked."It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, 

there's always room for a cup of coffee with a friend."
 
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17961</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#17961</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 23 Mar 2008 05:20:56]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ This is an excellent conversation between 'God' and an unknown ' - 'Me'. I don't know as to who has been the composer of such an interesting and captivating conversation ; but has he/she has definitely put in good amount of thought into crafting the same. *

Those who don't believe in God, may also find it worth reading once. Enjoy and Think ! 


God: Hello. Did you call me? 

Me: Called you? No.. Who is this?

God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.

Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something.

God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.

Me: Don't know. But I can't find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.

God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.

Me: I understand. But I still can't figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.

God: Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.

Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.

Me: why are we then constantly unhappy?

God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.

Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?

God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional. 

Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty.

God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?

God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life become better not bitter.  

Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?

God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.

Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?

God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons (to) Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.

Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..

God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.

Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction.. What should I do?

God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you road ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.

me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?

God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

Me: What surprises you about people?

God: When they suffer they ask, 'why me?' When they prosper, they never ask 'Why me'. Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.

Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.

God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not merely a process of discovery but a process of co-creation. You are my co-creator.

Me: How can I get the best out of life?  

God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.

God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.

Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat.

God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear.. Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live. 'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that took our breath away! ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#19252</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#19252</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:09:24]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Very romantic! I love the stories but, they are just stories.

There is only one.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#19317</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#19317</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:27:36]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Hoharryo]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ @Hoharryo 

my dear friend, in spiritual life the truths are told by the masters through riddles, and stories.great masters cannot be wrong. i suppose
 ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#19383</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#19383</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:03:46]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ THE CHAINED ELEPHANT....
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 a belief
that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

It has been said throughout history that what ever you believe, with
conviction, you can achieve. Don't be like the poor elephant and go through
your life stuck because of a limiting belief you were given or developed
years ago. Take charge of your life and live it to the fullest. You deserve
the best!
*Moral:*
Failure is part of learning; we should never give up the struggle in life.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#21063</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#21063</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 May 2008 22:56:35]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Do not hold on too tight to your religion, for you may not realize what is happening in your "real" life because you see everything "only" in your religious thoughts.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#21100</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#21100</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 14 May 2008 12:43:28]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Mechanoid Angelwing]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ @ Mechanoid Angelwing

thanks for your word of caution, otherwise also i am holding on truth only which ever may be religion. keep your mind open you wll understand my words]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#21501</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#21501</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 18 May 2008 00:31:33]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Never, Never, Never Give up.

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?""Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
He said. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." 
He said."Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had adifferent Purpose than the fern.Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#22140</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#22140</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 24 May 2008 22:04:49]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay, for his hungry stomach, decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
On the way through school, he found he had only one thin dime left and he was very hungry. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water The woman thought he looked hungry, so brought him a large glass of milk.
He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us, never to accept pay for a kindness."
He said..."Then I thank you from my heart."
Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once.
He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life, from that day he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval.
He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
The woman feared opening it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.
Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words..."Paid in full with one glass of milk." Signed, Dr.Howard Kelly.
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
Now you have two choices.You can send this page on and spread a positive message. Or ignore it and pretend it never touched your heart.
A SIMPLE INSPIRATION
"To fix a broken life, use the tools of the heart.."
If you are touched by this message, pass it on to as many people as you can...
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#22545</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#22545</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 30 May 2008 12:58:00]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. In a specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one, who got slapped, was hurt, but without anything to say, he wrote in the sand: "TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE". They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who got slapped and hurt started drowning, and the other friend saved him. When he recovered from the fright, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE" The friend who saved and slapped his best friend, asked him, "Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone?" The other friend, smilingly replied:

"When a friend hurts us, we should write it down in the sand, where the winds of forgiveness erase it away. And when something great happens, we should engrave it in the stone of the memory of the heart, where no wind can erase it"

Learn to write in the sand, when you have differences and hurt feelings with your friend. Learn to write in stone when your friend had done some thing really good to you. 


People will always throw stones in ur path.
It depends on U what U make frm it,
A Wall or A Bridge..!
Ur decision will change Ur life ...
 
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#23186</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#23186</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 9 Jun 2008 22:23:07]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Fern and the Bamboo.....

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality.. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one
last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of
them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the
earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again,
nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I
would not quit.

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent
the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what
it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it
could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the
bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both
make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help
you see that God will never give up on you........

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.
Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
Have a great day! The Son is shining!!
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24462</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24462</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:10:59]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ HI FRIEND VERY NICE TO READ YOUR POST]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24494</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24494</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:29:05]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ nidhaksha1]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ thank u nidhaksha1


these stories have helped me to mould my life, if it helps someone else, the purpose is complete.

with warm regards]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24608</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24608</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:38:57]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ 
A highly skilled carpenter who had grown old was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.

The employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter agreed to this proposal but made sure that this will be his last project. Being in a mood to retire, the carpenter was not paying much attention to building this house. His heart was not in his work. He resorted to poor workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the job was done, the carpenter called his employer and showed him the house. The employer handed over some papers and the front door key to the carpenter and said "This is your house, my gift to you."

The carpenter was in a shock! What a shame! If he had only known that he was building his own house, he would have made it better than any other house that he ever built! 

Our situation can be compared to this carpenter. God our Creator has sent us to this world to build our homes in paradise by obeying His commands. Now, we have to decide how well we wish to build the homes where we will live forever 
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24851</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#24851</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:43:16]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ hotson_123]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A long time ago, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live
with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found
that she couldn't get along with her mother-in-law at all. 
> 
> Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by
many of her mother-in-law' s habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li
constantly. 
> 
> Days passed days, and weeks passed weeks. Li-Li and her
mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the
situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition,
Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. 
> 
> All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing the poor
husband great distress. 
> Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law' s bad temper and
dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it. 
> 
> Li-Li went to see her father's good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold
herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some
poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr. Huang
thought for a while, and finally said, Li-Li, I will help you solve
your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.
Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do." 
> 
> Mr.Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes
with a package of herbs. 
> 
> He told Li-Li, "You can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of
your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become
suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will
slowly build up poison in her body.
> 
> 
> Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of
these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody
suspects you when she dies, you must be very careful to act very
friendly towards her. Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and
treat her like a queen." 
> 
> Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to
start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.
> 
> 
> Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li
served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered
what Mr.Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her
temper,obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother.
After six months had passed, the whole household had changed.
> 
> 
> Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found
that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn't had an argument in
six months with her mother-in-law, who now seemed much kinder and
easier to get along with. 
> 
> The mother-in-law' s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began
to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and
relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in- law one could ever find.
Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real
mother and daughter. 
> 
> Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what was happening. 
> 
> One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again.
She said, "Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from
killing my mother-in-law! She's changed into such a nice woman, and I
love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the
poison I gave her." 
> 
> Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's nothing to
worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were
vitimans to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and
your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the
love which you gave to her."
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25185</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25185</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:53:33]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ hotson_123]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Sharpen Yourselves.. ..

Once upon a time, there was a very strong woodcutter. 
He asked for a job from a timber merchant, and he got it. 
  
The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason 
the woodcutter was determined to do his best.

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work.

The first day, the woodcutter brought down 18 trees. 
  
The Boss was very much impressed and said, "Congratulations keep it up!" 

Very motivated by the words of the boss, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, 
but he only could bring down 15 trees.

The third day he tried even harder, but he only could bring down 10 trees. 
Day after day he was bringing down less and less trees.

"I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought to himself. 

He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.

"When was the last time you sharpened your Axe?" the boss asked.

"Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my Axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees.

The moral of the story: 

Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time
to sharpen the axe. In today's world, it seems that everyone is busier than 
ever, but less happy than ever. 
  
Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp?

There is nothing wrong with activity and hard work. 
But we should not get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, 
like our personal life, taking time to care for others, taking time to read, divine activity sharpens the in heart.etc

We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow. If we don't take time to sharpen 
the axe, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness.

So start from today, think about the ways 
by which you could do your job more effectively 
and add a lot of value to it.

Hope this story has given you some insight to life.
May you be happy always.

"To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart." 
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25424</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25424</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:53:02]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ 
Let we read the last sermon of the Prophet of Islam

The Last Sermon  of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam)

This Sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat Saudi Arabia

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today. 

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived... 

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things. 

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery. 

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah (God), say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. 

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example (the Sunnah), and if you follow these you will never go astray. 

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people."
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25450</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25450</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:10:45]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ hotson_123]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ friend if you have any inspiring story that has touched some ones life or yours life please share with us

we dont need any quote from any religious texts. please]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25577</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#25577</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:37:47]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Tao Of Forgiveness




One day, the sage gave the disciple an empty sack and a basket of potatoes. "Think of all the people who have done or said something against you in the recent past, especially those you cannot forgive.

For each of them, inscribe the name on a potato and put it in the sack."

The disciple came up quite a few names, and soon his sack was heavy with potatoes.

"Carry the sack with you wherever you go for a week," said the sage. "We'll talk after that."

At first, the disciple thought nothing of it. Carrying the sack was not particularly difficult. But after a while, it became more of a burden. It sometimes got in the way, and it seemed to require more effort to carry as time went on, even though its weight remained the same. 
After a few days, the sack began to smell. The carved potatoes gave off a ripe odor. Not only were they increasingly inconvenient to carry around, they were also becoming rather unpleasant. 

Finally, the week was over. The sage summoned the disciple. "Any thoughts about all this?"

"Yes, Master," the disciple replied. "When we are unable to forgive others, we carry negative feelings with us everywhere, much like these potatoes. That negativity becomes a burden to us and, after a while, it festers."

"Yes, that is exactly what happens when one holds a grudge. So, how can we lighten the load?"

"We must strive to forgive."

"Forgiving someone is the equivalent of removing the corresponding potato from the sack. How many of your transgressors are you able to forgive?"

"I've thought about it quite a bit, Master," the disciple said. "It required much effort, but I have decided to forgive all of them."

"Very well, we can remove all the potatoes. Were there any more people who transgressed against you this last week?"

The disciple thought for a while and admitted there were. Then he felt panic when he realized his empty sack was about to get filled up again.

"Master," he asked, "if we continue like this, wouldn't there always be potatoes in the sack week after week?"

"Yes, as long as people speak or act against you in some way, you will always have potatoes."

"But Master, we can never control what others do. So what good is the Tao in this case?"

"We're not at the realm of the Tao yet. Everything we have talked about so far is the conventional approach to forgiveness.. It is the same thing that many philosophies and most religions preach - we must constantly strive to forgive, for it is an important virtue. This is not the Tao because there is no striving in the Tao."

"Then what is the Tao, Master?"

"You can figure it out. If the potatoes are negative feelings, then what is the sack?"

"The sack is... that which allows me to hold on to the negativity. It is something within us that makes us dwell on feeling offended.... Ah, it is my inflated sense of self-importance. "

"And what will happen if you let go of it?"

"Then... the things that people do or say against me no longer seem like such a major issue."

"In that case, you won't have any names to inscribe on potatoes. That means no more weight to carry around, and no more bad smells.

The Tao of forgiveness is the conscious decision to not just to remove some potatoes... but to relinquish the entire sack."
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#26019</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#26019</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 9 Aug 2008 11:21:41]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Story of a Fish and Fisherman

Many people have been on this planet and many arrogant have gone under this earth. Those Kings, Pharaohs, Nimruds and many more... arrogantly claimed to be the God but they have died! Not just this, they could not even know when they would die! All of us might know our date-of-birth or place-of-birth, but who knows one's date-of-death or place-of-death! However, as long as we don't know when we will die, doors of repentance are open for us, by the Will of our Creator God the Almighty

 
A little fish considers her ocean to be the only universe, after all, how big is an ocean for a little fish! Once a big fish advised the little fish about fishermen outside the water but she could not be convinced to believe that there could be anything 'beyond' this under-water- world. The big fish gave descriptions of the fishermen and their tools (ship, baits, net, sinker.. etc) and warned her to stay away from those things. 
One day, the little fish came across something strange and suddenly remembered what the elder fish had said about fishermen & their tools. The little fish moved ahead saying "There is no such thing as fishermen" and started to eat the bait until the hook got stuck into her mouth. Sadly, she was dragged out of the water and this was it! She could now see the world-beyond- water and became certain about what the elder fish had said before but unfortunately, she had no chance to return back.

Some of us we might consider that this world is the only world. Some fish cannot perceive life outside of water, however, there are also some fish who can see things outside the water, it might also happen that a small fish comes out of water for a short time then goes back without being hurt (thus witnessing things outside the water). There are Angels as well as Jinns outside our sights, we don't see them. Devils can be imagined as the fishermen with baits trying to lure us. We have been warned to stay away from evil, even if we like it's bait.

Imagine that the Angel of death suddenly appears before us and demands our Soul/Spirit (it can happen any instant anyway), if we don't happily surrender ourselves, that Angel could painfully snatch our Soul from us. Then we will realize and become certain about that unseen world, quite like that fish in the above example. Our death is certain, but are we prepared to stand in front of our Lord?
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#26088</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#26088</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:12:56]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ hotson_123]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Whom to blame 
 
 
Boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage.

 


They were a Loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes.

 


When the boy was Around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle Open.
 
 
He was late for office so he asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep It in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot The matter.
 
 
The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by Its colour and drank it all.

 


It happened to be a poisonous medicine Meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed the mother Hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned. She Was terrified how to face her husband.
 
 
When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child ,

 


He looked at his wife and uttered just five words.

 

 
QUESTIONS:
 

 

1. What were the five words?

 


2. What is the implication of this story?
 
 

 

 

 

Scroll down...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Down.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

..
 
Down...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Down...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Down...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Down...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

ANSWER :

 

 

 

The husband just said "I am with you Darling"
 

 


The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive Behaviour.

 


The Child is dead. He can never be brought back to life.

 


There is no point In finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he had taken time to Keep the bottle away, this would not have happened.
 
 
No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child. What she Needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her.
 

 

If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would Be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand miles Begins with a single step." Take off all your envies, jealousies, Unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. And you will find things are Actually not as difficult as you think.
 

 

MORAL OF THE STORY
 
 
Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame, Whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know. By this Way we miss out some warmth in human relationship.

 
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#28853</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#28853</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 7 Oct 2008 21:24:47]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[  

Three Bullets

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat.

He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that
he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner.

As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the
rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away.

Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel
and missed it.

The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree

As he went further, he saw a large wild "Tom" turkey in the 
tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.

A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and
stay focused.

However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill.

He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer But, then
he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he
naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.

Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused.

So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed , then aimed the
gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey.

The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer.

The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it.

And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. 

When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his
pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to eat for his family.

The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God. 

Moral of the story:

Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in
your goals, and stay focused on God.

Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The
past is exactly that, "the past

Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows 
our future and that he will not put you through any more than you
can bear.

Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to the doors
that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor.

Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#28855</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#28855</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 7 Oct 2008 21:37:23]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Corn Story
There was a farmer who grew superior quality and award-winning CORN. Each
year he entered his CORN in the state fair where it won honour and prizes.

Once a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting
about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his
seed corn with his neighbours'.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbours when
they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter
asked.

"Why sir, "said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from
the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grow
inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will
steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must
help my neighbours grow good corn."

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn
cannot improve unless his neighbour's corn also improves. So it is in the
other dimensions! Those who choose to be at harmony must help their
neighbours and colleagues to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must
help others to live well.

Success does not happen in isolation. It is very often a participative and
collective process. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29416</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29416</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:02:26]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Happiness is an attitude 

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. 
Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. 
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. 
"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. 
"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room .... just wait." 
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. 
"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. 
I already decided to love it ... 

It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away ... just for this time in my life." ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29417</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29417</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:03:53]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ An Interesting Conversation from A True LifeStory

A real story ... A gossip between a Solider and Software Engineer in Shatabdi Train ......... An interesting and a must read !!

Vivek Pradhan was not a happy man. Even the plush comfort of the air-conditioned compartment of the Shatabdi express could not cool his frayed nerves. He was the Project Manager and still not entitled to air travel. It was not the prestige he sought, he had tried to reason with the admin person, it was the savings in time. As PM, he had so many things to do!!

He opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.

'Are you from the software industry sir,' the man beside him was staring appreciatively at the laptop. Vivek glanced briefly and mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it were an expensive car.

'You people have brought so much advancement to the country, Sir. Today everything is getting computerized.'

'Thanks,' smiled Vivek, turning around to give the man a look. He always found it difficult to resist appreciation. The man was young and stockily built like a sportsman. He looked simple and strangely out of place in that little lap of luxury like a small town boy in a prep school. He probably was a railway sportsman making the most of his free traveling pass.

'You people always amaze me,' the man continued, 'You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside.'

Vivek smiled deprecatingly. Naiveness demanded reasoning not anger. 'It is not as simple as that my friend. It is not just a question of writing a few lines. There is a lot of process that goes behind it.'

For a moment, he was tempted to explain the entire Software Development Lifecycle but restrained himself to a single statement. 'It is complex, very complex.'

'It has to be. No wonder you people are so highly paid,' came the reply.

This was not turning out as Vivek had thought. A hint of belligerence crept into his so far affable, persuasive tone. '

Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. Indians have such a narrow concept of hard work. Just because we sit in an air-conditioned office, does not mean our brows do not sweat. You exercise the muscle; we exercise the mind and believe me that is no less taxing.'

He could see, he had the man where he wanted, and it was time to drive home the point.

'Let me give you an example. Take this train. The entire railway reservation system is computerized. You can book a train ticket between any two stations from any of the hundreds of computerized booking centres across the country.

Thousands of transactions accessing a single database, at a time concurrently; data integrity, locking, data security. Do you understand the complexity in designing and coding such a system?'

The man was awestuck; quite like a child at a planetarium. This was something big and beyond his imagination.

'You design and code such things.'

'I used to,' Vivek paused for effect, 'but now I am the Project Manager.'

'Oh!' sighed the man, as if the storm had passed over,

'So your life is easy now.'

This was like the last straw for Vivek. He retorted, 'Oh come on, does life ever get easy as you go up the ladder. Responsibility only brings more work.

Design and coding! That is the easier part. Now I do not do it, but I am responsible for it and believe me, that is far more stressful. My job is to get the work done in time and with the highest quality.

To tell you about the pressures, there is the customer at one end, always changing his requirements, the user at the other, wanting something else, and your boss, always expecting you to have finished it yesterday.'

Vivek paused in his diatribe, his belligerence fading with self-realisation. What he had said, was not merely the outburst of a wronged man, it was the truth. And one need not get angry while defending the truth.

'My friend,' he concluded triumphantly, 'you don't know what it is to be in the Line of Fire'.

The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realization. When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek.

'I know sir,..... I know what it is to be in the Line of Fire......'

He was staring blankly, as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time.

'There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night.

The enemy was firing from the top.

There was no knowing where the next bullet was going to come from and for whom.

In the morning when we finally hoisted the tricolour at the top, only 4 of us were alive.'

'You are a...?'

'I am Subedar Sushant from the 13 J&K Rifles on duty at Peak 4875 in Kargil. They tell me I have completed my term and can opt for a soft assignment.

But, tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier.

On the dawn of that capture, one of my colleagues lay injured in the snow, open to enemy fire while we were hiding behind a bunker.

It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety. But my captain sahib refused me permission and went ahead himself.

He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to put the safety and welfare of the nation foremost followed by the safety and welfare of the men he commanded... ....his own personal safety came last, always and every time.'

'He was killed as he shielded and brought that injured soldier into the bunker. Every morning thereafter, as we stood guard, I could see him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me . I know sir....I know, what it is to be in the Line of Fire.'

Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of how to respond. Abruptly, he switched off the laptop.

It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a Word document in the presence of a man for whom valour and duty was a daily part of life; valour and sense of duty which he had so far attributed only to epical heroes.

The train slowed down as it pulled into the station, and Subedar Sushant picked up his bags to alight.

'It was nice meeting you sir.'

Vivek fumbled with the handshake.

This hand... had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger, and hoisted the tricolour. Suddenly, as if by impulse, he stood up at attention and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute.

It was the least he felt he could do for the country.


PS: The incident he narrated during the capture of Peak 4875 is a true-life incident during the Kargil war. Capt. Batra sacrificed his life while trying to save one of the men he commanded, as victory was within sight. For this and various other acts of bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the nation's highest military award!

Live Humbly, there are great people around us, let us learn!

BE POLITE… EVERYONE U MEET IS FIGHTING A HARD BATTLE!!
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29669</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29669</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:29:46]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The House of 1000 Mirrors
Long ago in a small, far away village, there was place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the House, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often."

In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again."

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet? ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29670</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29670</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:30:29]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ "VALUE HAS A VALUE ONLY IF ITS VALUE IS VALUED"
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a Rupee 500 note..



In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this Rupee 500 note?"



Hands started going up.. He said, "I am going to give this note to one of you
but first let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the note up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and
started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all
crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson.
No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not
decrease in value. It was still worth Rupee 500/-.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt
by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as
though we are worthless.
But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose
your value..
You are special. Don't ever forget it! Never let yesterday's disappointments overshadow tomorrow's dreams.

"VALUE HAS A VALUE ONLY IF ITS VALUE IS VALUED"


If you start judging people you will be having no time to love them..]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29671</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29671</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:31:11]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Why Women Cry?
A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?' 'Because I'm a woman,' she told him.

'I don't understand,' he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.'

Later the little boy asked his father, 'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?'

'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry..

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, 'God, why do women cry so easily?'

God said

'When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.
I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.'

'You see my son,' said God, 'the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides.' ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29672</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29672</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:32:05]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Corn Story
There was a farmer who grew superior quality and award-winning CORN. Each year he entered his CORN in the state fair where it won honour and prizes.

Once a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his
seed corn with his neighbours'.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbours when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter
asked.

"Why sir, "said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will
steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn."

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbour's corn also improves. So it is in the
other dimensions! Those who choose to be at harmony must help their neighbours and colleagues to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must
help others to live well.

Success does not happen in isolation. It is very often a participative and collective process. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29958</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29958</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 2 Nov 2008 12:05:17]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Window (Author Unknown)

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should hehave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.

Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.

The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

Moral of the story:

The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.

The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29959</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#29959</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 2 Nov 2008 12:06:59]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Lost Little Wave
Once upon a time, there was a little wave who'd grown tired and restless, worn out from all her to-ing and fro-ing between horizon and shore. One day, she heard of a great Ocean where there were no restless wanderings at the mercy of the tides, where everything was quiet and full of love. A huge desire arose in her to find this peaceful place, but -- she didn't know where to begin.

"Do you know the way to the Great Ocean?" she asked the other waves as they passed. One wave, an Elder who was greatly weighed down with seaweed, told her, "I've heard of this Ocean, but it is very far away and would take many lifetimes to reach." Another wave gurgled, "I've heard that if we are very kind and gentle waves, and live very, very good lives, then when we die, the great Ocean is where we will find ourselves."

"*You're all deluded, there is no such thing as this Ocean," added a swirling wave, cynically.

"Hey! Come with me!" called a fresh wave with a friendly voice. "I know a wise wave who has actually been to the Great Ocean and knows it well. I will introduce you to him!" And off they went.

As they were leaving, another wave grumbled, 

Crazy kids! Why all this waste of energy searching for some mythical place? Why not be content with what you have?"

Soon, they arrived at the abode of the wise wave.

"Please, wise wave, can you show me the Great Ocean?" begged the little wave.

The wise wave stared laughing, in deep, warm gusts that sent spray skipping across the surface of the water. "What do you imagine the great Ocean is, my child?"

"I've heard it is a wonderful place, full of beauty and joy, that there is love and lasting peace there," trembled the little wave.

The wise wave laughed some more. "You are searching for this Great Ocean, little friend, but you are Ocean itself! How funny that you are not aware of this!"

This made the little wave more confused and a bit annoyed. "How can that be? I don't see any ocean. All I see are waves, waves and more waves!"  

"That's because you think you are a wave," the wise wave smiled. At this, the little wave splashed against a nearby rock in frustration. "i don't understand anything you are saying! Can you show me the Great Ocean, yes or no?" she pressed impatiently.

"Okay, okay, determined little friend," said the wise wave, "but—before I do, would you mind diving below and massaging my aching feet?"

The little wave dived ... and disappeared as a wave.

In that moment, she discovered that the Great Ocean was not different from herself, that in fact, she was the Great Ocean itself-that she'd simply been dreaming that she was a single wave!

Knowing this, she enjoyed the play of dancing as each and every wave—in endless, immense joy.* ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#30635</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#30635</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:33:02]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ THE AMAZING STORY OF CLIFF YOUNG!


Cliff Young passed away a couple of years ago. But not before he had set some pretty astonishing records in ultra marathon running.

Every year, Australia hosts an 875-kilometer endurance racing from Sydney to Melbourne – considered to be the world's longest and toughest ultra-marathon. It's a long, tough race that takes five days and normally participated by world-class athletes who train specially for the event. Backed by big names in sports like Nike, these athletes are mostly less than 30 years old men and women equipped with the most expensive sponsored training outfits and shoes.

In 1983, these top class runners were in for a surprise. On the day of the race, a guy named Cliff Young showed up.

What was different about Young was that he was 61 years old and instead of wearing state of the art trainers and a comfortable t shirt and shorts he showed up in overalls and galoshes over his work boots.

Everybody thought that it was a crazy publicity stunt. But the press was curious, so as he took his number 64 and moved into the pack of runners in their special, expensive racing outfit, the camera focused on him and reporters started to ask:

"Who are you and what are you doing?"

"I'm Cliff Young. I'm from a large ranch where we run sheep outside of Melbourne."

They said, "You're really going to run in this race?"

"Yeah," Cliff nodded.

"Got any backers?"

"No."

"Then you can't run."  

"Yeah I can." Cliff said. "See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or four wheel drives, and the whole time I was growing up-- until about four years ago when we finally made some money and got a four wheeler-- whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep, and we have 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd catch them. I believe I can run this race; it's only two more days. Five days. I've run sheep for three."

When the marathon started, the pros left Cliff behind in his galoshes. The crowds smiled because he didn't even run correctly. Instead of running, he appeared to run leisurely, shuffling like an amateur.

Now, every professional athlete ‘knew for certain’ that it took about 5 days to finish this race, and that in order to compete, you would need to run 18 hours and sleep 6 hours.

The thing is Cliff Young did not know that!

When the morning news of the race was aired, people were in for another big surprise. Cliff was still in the race and had jogged all night down to a city called Mittagong.  

Apparently, Cliff did not stop after the first day. Although he was still far behind the world-class athletes, he kept on running. He kept running. Every night he got just a little bit closer to the leading pack. By the last night, he passed all of the world-class athletes. By the last day, he was way in front of them.

Not only did Cliff Young run the Melbourne to Sydney race at age 61, without dying; he won first place, breaking the race record by 9 hours and became a national hero!

Now for the Sydney to Melbourne race, almost nobody sleeps. To win that race, you have to run like Cliff Young did, you have to run all night as well as all day. And today ultra marathon runners affect a similar running style to Cliff Young...it saves energy!!


Never be held back by the norm
Never be held back by so called 'correct' beliefs
Create your own reality
Create your own destiny
Be proactive, not reactive
Be the best you that you can be! ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31443</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31443</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:07:53]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ C O N F I D E N C E
When Henry Ward Beecher was a young boy in school, he learned a lesson in self confidence which he never forgot. 

He was called upon to recite in front of the class. He had hardly begun when the teacher interrupted with an emphatic, "No!" He started over and again the teacher thundered, "No!" 

Humiliated, Henry sat down. The next boy rose to recite and had just begun when the teacher shouted, "No!" 

This student, however, kept on with the recitation until he completed it. As he sat down, the teacher replied, "Very good!" 

Henry was irritated. "I recited just as he did," he complained to the teacher. But the instructor replied, "It is not enough to know your lesson; you must be sure. 

When you allowed me to stop you, it meant that you were uncertain. If all the world says, 'No!' it is your business to say, 'Yes!' and prove it." 

The world will say, "No!" in a thousand ways. 
"No! You can't do that." 
"No! You are wrong." 
"No! You are too old." 
"No! You are too young." 
"No! You are too weak." 
"No! It will never work." 
"No! You don't have the education." 
"No! You don't have the background." 
"No! You don't have the money." 
"No! It can't be done." 

And each "No!" you hear has the potential to erode your confidence bit by bit until you quit all together. 
Though the world says, "No!" to you today, will you determine to say, "YES!" and prove it? 
Have a POSITIVE DAY!__._,_.___ ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31521</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31521</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 7 Dec 2008 12:16:08]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the water close to Japan has not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring the fish. If the return trip took more time, the fish were not fresh. To solve this problem, fish companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea.

Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer. However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen fish. And they did not like the taste of frozen fish. 

*
*The frozen fish brought a lower price. So, fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, they were tired, dull, and lost their
fresh-fish taste. The fishing industry faced an impending crisis!

But today, they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan. How did they manage? To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks but with a small shark. 

*
*The fish are challenged and hence are constantly on the move. The challenge they face keeps them alive and fresh!
*
*Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired and dull? Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active. If you are steadily conquering challenges, you are happy.

Your challenges keep you energized. Don't create success and revel in it in a state of inertia. You have the resources, skills and abilities to make a difference. Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go!
*
*"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character" - Albert Einstein
*

*"Existing problems cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them"*]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31529</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31529</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 7 Dec 2008 20:49:07]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ God Sent A Spider
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed. As he waited, he prayed, 'Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen.'

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, 'Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one.' Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave. 'Hah, he thought, 'What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.'

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

'Lord, forgive me,' prayed the young man. 'I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall.'

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31743</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31743</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:35:29]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>How to select Lord of The Rings Online Power Leveling</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Once there was someone impersonated the person in charge of network of game leveling corporate agent, required the employee in this company remit money to the appointed account. When the employees remit 23,000 RMB, it turned out to be a cheat. The phenomenon deserves the attention of the numerous game players.
Now there are many <a href="http://www.item4u.com/LOTRO-EU/Power-Leveling">Lord of The Rings Online Power leveling</a> organization. You should choose it with notice. Lord of The Rings is a huge game. So a lot of people want to win in the game at the very beginning. When you select power leveling , I advise you to read this article first. This can help you to choose correct and authoritative company. Many players know that the cheapest <a href="http://www.item4u.com/LOTRO-US/Power-Leveling">LOTRO Power leveling</a> company spread over Asian, especially in Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. While Korea is always be in ahead attributed in cheaper labor and development game research.
Power Leveling not only has a long way to go, but also a stronger competitive to continue. So the labor of cheapest and game research both the point of competitive. We hope there would be a healthy <a href="http://www.item4u.com/LOTRO-US/Power-Leveling">LOTRO Powerleveling</a> market to offer for players and let the players enjoy themselves in game.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31804</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#31804</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:08:25]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ fangcaodi1978]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ 
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go."

you and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

  The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

 God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others. You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through.  Never judge another person's scars, because you don't know how they got them.    Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love them, too enough to not let them go*. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32064</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32064</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:26:07]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ By the time the Lord made woman, 
He was into his sixth day of working overtime. 
An angel appeared and said, 
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?' 
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her? 
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, 
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable 
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, 
have a lap that can hold four children at one time, 
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart-and she will do everything with only two hands.' 
 
The angel was astounded at the requirements. 
'Only two hands!? No way! 
And that's just on the standard model? 
That's too much work for one day. 
Wait until tomorrow to finish.' 
 
'But I won't, ' the Lord protested. 
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. 
She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days.' 
 
The angel moved closer and touched the woman. 
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.' 
 
'She is soft,' the Lord agreed, 
' but I have also made her tough. 
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.' 
 
'Will she be able to think? ', asked the angel. 
 
The Lord replied, 
'Not only will she be able to think, 
she will be able to reason and negotiate.' 
The angel then noticed something, 
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. 
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. 
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.' 
 
'That's not a leak,' the Lord corrected, 
' that's a tear!' 
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked. 
 
The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy, 
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, 
her loneliness, her grief and her pride.' 
The angel was impressed. 
'You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! 
Woman is truly amazing.' 
 
And she is! 
Women have strengths that amaze men. 
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, 
but they hold happiness, love and joy. 
They smile when they want to scream. 
They sing when they want to cry. 
They cry when they are happy 
and laugh when they are nervous. 
They fight for what they believe in. 
They stand up to injustice. 
They don't take 'no' for an answer 
when they believe there is a better solution. 
They go without so their family can have. 
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. 
They love unconditionally. 
They cry when their children excel 
and cheer when their friends get awards. 
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. 
Their hearts break when a friend dies. 
They grieve at the loss of a family member, 
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. 
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. 
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. 
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you 
to show how much they care about you. 
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. 
They bring joy, hope and love. 
They have compassion and ideals. 
They give moral support to their family and friends. 
Women have vital things to say and everything to give 

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN, 
 
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32209</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32209</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:44:14]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ what is enlightenment?
"What must I do for Enlightenment? "

"Nothing."

"Why not?"

"Because Enlightenment doesn't come from doing —it happens."

"Then can it never be attained?"

"Oh yes it can."

"How?"

"Through non doing."

"And what does one do to attain non doing?"

"What does one do to go to sleep or to wake up?"

anon

MORSEL: It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. --Sir Edmund Hillary ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32337</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32337</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 1 Jan 2009 07:59:27]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ ord Buddha was sitting under a banyan tree. One day, a furious Brahmin came to him and started abusing him.
The Brahmin thought that Buddha would reciprocate in the same manner, but to his utter surprise, there was not the slightest change in the expression on his face.
Now, the Brahmin became more furious. He hurled more and more abuses at Buddha. However, Buddha was completely unmoved. Actually there was a look of compassion on his
face. Ultimately the Brahmin was tired of abusing him. He asked, "I have been abusing you like anything, but why are you not angry at all ?"
Lord Buddha calmly replied, "My dear brother, I have not accepted a single abuse from you."
"But you heard all of them, didn't you?" The Brahmin argued half-heartedly.
Buddha said, "I do not need the abuses, so why should I even hear them?"
Now the Brahmin was even more puzzled. He could not understand the calm reply from Buddha.
Looking at his disturbed face, Buddha further explained, "All those abuses remain with you."
"It cannot be possible. I have hurled all of them at you," the Brahmin persisted.
Buddha calmly repeated his reply, "But I have not accepted even a single abuse from you ! Dear brother, suppose you give some coins to somebody, and if he does not accept them, with whom will those coins remain?"
The Brahmin replied, "If I have given the coins and not needed by someone, then naturally they would remain with me."
With a meaningful smile on his face, Buddha said, "Now you are right. The same has happened with your abuses. You came here and hurled abuses at me, but I have not accepted a single abuse from you. Hence, all those abuses remain with you only. So there is no reason to be angry with you."
The Brahmin remained speechless. He was ashamed of his behavior and begged for Buddha's .]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32368</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32368</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 2 Jan 2009 08:33:14]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ <font color='darkred'>Simple Solutions
Many years ago in a small Indian village, A farmer had the misfortune Of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. The Moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful Daughter. So he proposed a bargain.

He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his
Daughter. Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the
Proposal.

So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let Providence decide the matter. He told them that he would put a black
Pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag. Then the girl would Have to pick one pebble from the bag.

1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her
father's debt would be forgiven.
2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her
father's debt would still be forgiven.
3) But if she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into Jail.

They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As
They talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he
Picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two Black pebbles and put them into the bag. He then asked the girl to pick A pebble from the bag. Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have Done if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you Have told her?

Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:

1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.

2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag
And expose the money-lender as a cheat.

3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order To save her father from his debt and imprisonment.

Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with
The hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral And logical thinking.

The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with Traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses The above logical answers.  

The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with Traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses The above logical answers.

What would you recommend to the Girl to do?

Well, here is what she did ....
;
;
;

The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble. Without Looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path Where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.

"Oh, how clumsy of me," she said. "But never mind, if you look into the Bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I Picked."

Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had
Picked the white one. And since the money-lender dared not admit his
Dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into An extremely advantageous one.

MORAL OF THE STORY:
Most complex problems do have a solution. It is only that we don't</font>
<font color='darkblue'>Attempt to think.  


A hat-seller who was passing by a forest decided to take a nap under one of the trees, so he left his whole basket of hats by the side.

A few hours later, he woke up and realized that all his hats were gone. He looked up and to his surprise, the tree was full of monkeys
and they had taken all his hats. The sits down and thinks of how he can get the hats down.

While thinking he started to scratch his head. The next moment,the monkeys were doing the same. Next, he took down his own hat,
the monkeys did exactly the same. An idea came to him, he took
his hat and threw it on the floor and the monkeys did that too. So he finally managed to get all his hats back.

Fifty years later, his grandson, also became a hat-seller
and had heard this monkey story from his grandfather. One day,
just like his grandfather, he passed by the same forest. It was
very hot, and he took a nap under the same tree and left the hats on the floor.

He woke up and realized that all his hats were taken by the
monkeys on the tree. He remembered his grand father's words,
started scratching his head and the monkeys followed. He took
down his hat and fanned himself and again the monkeys followed. Now,
very convinced of his grandfather's idea, threw his hat on
the floor but to his surprise, the monkeys still held on to all
the hats. Then one monkey climbed down the tree, grabbed the hat
on the floor, gave him a slap and said
......................
Guess What????????
...............................................
"You think only you have a grandfather?"</font>]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32395</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32395</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 3 Jan 2009 22:39:05]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ This is a very touching Motivating Moral Story of Cricket, the last run being scored by a disabled kid to become the hero.

Once up on a time there was once a six year old boy named Shoy, who did could not run properly because of disability in one leg. Other children of his age never let him play with them. One day he was with his father who saw some children older than his son playing cricket with a lot of people watching the match.

The father knew the kid wanted to play but who will let him. The father decided to try and requested the captain of one of the teams to let his son play.

The captain looked at the kid and thought, there just one more ball to go and four runs required to win which he thought was presently impossible as the bowler had three of the team out in three successive balls. As such a win was almost impossible so he let the disabled kid to bat the last ball. The bowler dispatched the ball aimed at the kids bat.

Before he could even lift the heavy bat the ball bounced and went to a fielder who deliberately let it go past having understood the bowler’s intention. The father cheered him, “Take a run Shoy, run.” The deep fielder picked up the ball and threw it to the wicket keeper.

Shoy ran limping as fast he could manage. The crowd watching the game also started cheering, “Come on shoy, Keep it up”. The wicket keeper let the ball slip off his gloved hands. Now Shoy was completing his third run. Everything looked in slow motion as every one wanted Shoy to complete the fourth run including the team that would lose by doing so.

Two more fielders did their part allowing Shoy to complete the last winning run, as the crowed and both teams cheering him, “Shoy, You can do it”, disregarding excruciating pain in his thin steel plate strapped leg.

Each and everyone present there including both the teams and the crowd helped Shay to become the hero for once in his life. Shoy was the happiest of all of them for having made his father very proud that day.


Moral of the Motivating Story - Cricket the Last Run


“Happiness and satisfaction can come from making others happy. Play your part whenever you can.”
__________________
Start teaching others what you know, 
you may end up learning more. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32543</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32543</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 7 Jan 2009 20:54:34]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it.
He held it up for all to see & asked the students,' How much do you think this glass weighs?'
'50gms!' .... '100gms!' .....'125gms' .....the students answered.
'I really don't know unless I weigh it,' said the professor, 'but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?'
'Nothing' the students said.

'Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked.
'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the students.

'You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?'
'Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!' ventured another student& all the students laughed.
'Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?' asked the professor.
'No'
'Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?' The students were puzzled.
'Put the glass down!' said one of the students.
'Exactly!' said the professor.' Life's problems are something like this. Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK. Think ofthem for a long time & they begin to ache. Hold it even longer & they Begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything. It'simportant to think of the challenges (problems) in your life, but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to 'put them down' at the end of every day beforeyou go to sleep. That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh & strong & can handle any issue, any challenge that comesyour way!'

So, as it becomes time for you to leave office today, remember to 

'PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY! ']]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32544</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#32544</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 7 Jan 2009 20:57:17]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A Very Special Meal


Once there was a very poor and devoted woman who always prayed to the Glory of God, asking very little, if anything for herself. But one thought, one desire continued to recur and finally she asked: petitioning the Lord, that if it were possible she would love to prepare a special meal and have God share at her table. And God, in His Love for this goodly woman, said He would indeed come the next day and share a meal.

Filled with ecstasy, the woman went out the following morning with her meager purse and purchased such delicacies that she felt would please the Lord.

Returning home, she prepared a banquet and waited patiently for her most honored guest. Soon there was a knock on the door, and when she opened it, there stood an old beggar asking for something to eat. Being a woman of God, she could not turn the beggar away, so she invited him in to partake of her table. The beggar felt as if he was in a dream - such a feast set before him. He finished all the food, thanked his hostess and left.

The woman was only slightly disheartened, she gathered up her purse, her coat, and hurried back to town to get more food for her special guest. Her funds were less now and so the food was not quite so elaborate. Nonetheless, she lovingly prepared another meal and sat to await the arrival of the Almighty.

A few hours went by and there was a loud knock on the door. This time it was an old gypsy woman with no teeth, who was deaf, who spoke quite loudly and was, rather rudely, insisting that any true believer in the Lord would not deny her something to eat.

Though the woman had no more money with which to buy more supplies, she invited the woman in and offered her a seat at the table. The gypsy ate everything, did not even thank the woman and left without closing the door.

By now it was beginning to get dark both inside and out. The woman's faith was strong, so that, though somewhat distraught, she did not give up, but rather, looked around her humble house to see if there was anything she could sell in order to buy more food to set before the Lord.

She hurried to town with a little silver cup that had been in her family for several generations, but she was willing to part with it for the great honor that God was going to bestow on her - the sharing of a meal.

Late in the night she rushed home to prepare yet a third meal. She waited and waited until, once more, there was a knock on the door. Holding her breath, she slowly opened the door to find yet another poor man in the guise of a wandering monk, in search of a meal.

Again, she offered hospitality, with as much grace as she could muster in her disappointment. This man also ate all that was set on the table and left after blessing the woman for her kindness. So discouraged and dismayed was she that all she could do was nod slightly, in acknowledgment of the thanks.

Now it was too late, with no way to buy any more food and no more money with which to buy it. She got down on her knees, weeping such heart-broken tears. She asked God what she had done wrong. Why had God not come to share at the table as He had promised?

And God, in all His Divine Compassion and Mercy, lifted the woman off her knees, and holding her close to His Heart, said, "My child, I enjoyed your hospitality so much that I came three times!"

It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect. - Swami Vivekananda
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#33256</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#33256</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:11:05]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Monkey with The Wooden Apples

There once was a happy monkey wandering the jungle, eating delicious fruit when hungry, and resting when tired. One day he came upon a house, where he
saw a bowl of the most beautiful apples. He took one in each hand and ran back into the forest.

He sniffed the apples and smelled nothing. He tried to eat them, but hurt his teeth. They were made of wood, but they were beautiful, and when the other monkeys saw them, he held onto them even tighter.

He admired his new possessions proudly as he wandered the jungle. They glistened red in the sun, and seemed perfect to him. He became so attached to them, that he didn't even notice his hunger at first.

A fruit tree reminded him, but he felt the apples in his hands. He couldn't bear to set them down to reach for the fruit. In fact, he couldn't relax, either, if he was to defend his apples. A proud, but less happy monkey continued to walk along the forest trails.

The apples became heavier, and the poor little monkey thought about leaving them behind. He was tired, hungry, and he couldn't climb trees or collect fruit with his hands full. What if he just let go?

Letting go of such valuable things seemed crazy, but what else could he do? He was so tired. Seeing the next fruit tree, and smelling it's fruit was enough. He dropped the wooden apples and reached up for his meal. He was
happy again.

Like that little monkey, we sometimes carry things that seem too valuable to let go. A man carries an image of himself as "productive" - carries it like a shiny wooden apple. But in reality, his business leaves him tired, and
hungry for a better life.

Still, letting go seems crazy. Even his worries are sacred apples - they prove he's "doing everything he can." He holds onto them compulsively. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#33257</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#33257</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:12:50]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Swamiji quotes on "Help Yourself"
[When a disciple pleaded helplessness, Swamiji thundered:]
What nonsense are you talking? Within you lies indomitable power. Only thinking, "I am nothing, I am nothing,' you have become powerless.

You do not deserve to live if you cannot help yourselves.

It is diabolism to say, "I am so miserable." Every man has his own burden to bear. If you are miserable, try to conquer it, try to be happy.

Therefore, stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. All the strength and succour you want is within yourselves.

It is a tremendous error to feel helpless. Do not seek help from anyone. We are our own help. If we cannot help ourselves, there is none to help us... this is the last and greatest lesson, and oh, what a time it takes to learn it!... Just think of that huge mass of misery, and all caused by this false idea of going to seek for help!

There is no help for man. None ever was, none is, and none will be... But you are spirit. Pull yourself out of difficulties by yourself! Save yourself by yourself! There is none to help you - never was. To think that there is, is sweet delusion. It comes to no good.

You may pray to everyone that was ever born, but who will come to help you?... Help thyself out by thyself. None else can help thee, friend... Get hold of the Self, then. Stand up. Don't be afraid. In the midst of all miseries and all weakness, let the Self come out, faint and imperceptible though it be at first. [i]<font color='brown'></font>[b]]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#34134</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#34134</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:07:58]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Face the brutes

There are a few fortunate souls who are lucky enough to attain success without pitfalls; the rest have to pass through the hurdles and dificulties. But the real hero is who welcomes challenges in life and faces them with boldness and courage.Such a person crossing all the hurdles comes out successfully like a lion. The following incident took place during Swami Vivekananda's wandering days, when he was staying at varanasi.It conveys a profund message to the world.One day,while returning from the Durga temple, Swamiji was chased by some monkeys.To save himself,Swamiji started running, but the monekys ran still faster and grew increasingly aggressive.Meanwhile, an old monk who was witnessing the scene called out to him: 'Stop running.Face the brutes.' Swamiji heard his call and turned to 'face the brutes.'
\
Swamiji drew a great lesson from this incident. He learnt that one should not run away, when faced with danger or difficulty; and instead, one must face it boldly. In his later life, addressing a gathering in New York,he said; 'That is a lesson for all life-face the terrible, face it boldly.Like the monekys, the hardships of life fall back, when we cease to flee before them. We have to face fear and troubles and ignorance, if we expect them to flee before us. <font color='brown'></font>]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#34135</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#34135</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:10:00]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Our Bank Account With God
As a child I always aspired to be a doctor and serve the people in a village. I worked hard (my father worked harder) to realize my dream, which became a reality in 1973.


There was a lady, Sarupi, who worked part-time in our house, washing our clothes, escorting all four daughters of the house to school and back. Enroute, she used to explain the benefits of good deeds. She often said, "Every good act you do gets deposited in your bank account with God and whenever the need arises, that's what you withdraw." Now a bank account literally meant cash to our immature minds and I always used to tease her about where the money was.


Days, months and years passed by and I became a full-fledged doctor. Sarupi was always present in my OPD with some patient or the other. She was very proud of me, and her pet discourse never varied: "Deposit in your bank account with God!" Believe me, I never took it seriously until something happened that changed my worldview.


One Diwali, after the pooja we were out enjoying the firecrackers. A friend tied the thread of two 'atom bombs' together and lit the fire. One bomb exploded harmlessly but the other hit my right eye. I was rushed to an ophthalmologist who treated me immediately. After a long, terrible hour, he told me that my eye was safe.

Sarupi came to see me when I was convalescing. She sat with me for an hour, fondly enquiring about everyone's wellbeing and then softly asked, "Could you withdraw enough from God's bank for your needs?" That was the day I understood that our only hope of mercy from Providence is to invest heavily in being of service to our fellow-beings: it was a major miracle to have escaped unhurt. ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#34418</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#34418</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:12:33]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A fox who lived in the deep forest of long ago had lost its front legs. No one knew how: perhaps escaping from a trap. A man who lived on the edge of the forest , seeing the fox from time to time, wondered how in the world it managed to get its food. One day when the fox was not far from him he had to hide himself quickly because a tiger was approaching. The tiger had fresh game in its claws. Lying down on the ground, it ate its fill, leaving the rest for the fox. 

Again the next day the great Provider of this world sent provisions to the fox by this same tiger. The man began to think: "If this fox is taken care of in this mysterious way, its food sent by some unseen Higher Power, why don't I just rest in a corner and have my daily meal provided for me?" 

Because he had a lot of faith, he let the days pass, waiting for food. Nothing happened. He just went on losing weight and strength until he was nearly a skeleton. Close to losing consciousness, he heard a Voice which said: "O you, who have mistaken the way, see now the Truth! You should have followed the example of that tiger instead of imitating the disabled fox." 

Reflection Questions
In what ways do you feel like the disabled fox?
In what ways do you feel like the tiger?
Who is the "Voice" in this story?
Is it okay for the disabled fox to continue living, or would it be better off either dead or never alive in the first place?
Are there any people in your life who are like the disabled fox, but you wish they were more like the tiger?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#35395</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#35395</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:46:25]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ THE RIPPLES
A man was sitting by a lake. He was throwing small pebbles into it from time to time. A young boy happened to

cross by. He was intrigued to see that after every few minutes or so, the man would toss a pebble into the

lake. The boy went up to the man and said, "Good pastime, this stone throwing, he?" "Hmmm," said the man.

He seemed to be deep in thought and obviously did not wish to be disturbed.
Sometime later, the man said softly, "Look at the water, it is absolutely still." The boy said, "Yeah, it is." The

man tossed a pebble into the water and continued, "Only till I toss a pebble into it now do you see the

ripples?" "Yeah," said the boy, "they spread further and further." 
"And soon, the water is still again," offered the man.
The boy said, "Sure, it becomes quiet, after a while." 
The man continued, "What if we want to stop the ripples? The root cause of the ripples is the stone. Lets take

the stone out. Go ahead and look for it." The boy put his hand into the water and tried to take the stone out.

But he only succeeded in making more ripples. He was able to take the stone out, but the number of ripples

that were made in the process were a lot more than before. 
The wise man said, "It is not possible to stop the movement of the water once a pebble has been thrown into

it. But if we can stop ourselves from throwing the pebble in the first place, the ripples can be avoided

altogether! So too, it is with our minds. If a thought enters into it, it creates ripples. The only way to save the

mind from getting disturbed is to block and ban the entry of every superfluous thought that could be a

potential cause for disturbance. If a disturbance has entered into the mind, it will take its own time to die

down. Too many conflicting thoughts just cause more and more disturbances. Once the disturbance has been

caused it takes time to ebb out. Even trying to forcibly remove the thought may further increase the turmoil in

the mind. Time surely is a great healer, but prevention is always better than cure."
Before you allow a thought or a piece of information to enter your mind, put it through the triple filter test of

authenticity, goodness and value.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#35396</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#35396</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:46:54]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ From Tales of the Dervishes
By Idies Shah

There was once a hard-working and generous farmer who had several idle and greedy sons. On his deathbed he told them that the would find his treasure if they were to dig in a certain field. As soon as the old man was dead, the sons hurried to the fields, which they dug up from one end to another, and with increasing desperation and concentration when they did not find the gold in the place indicated. 

But they found no gold at all. Realizing that in his generosity their father must have given his gold away during his lifetime, they abandoned their search. Finally, it occurred to them that, since the land had been prepared they might as well now sow a crop. They planted wheat, which produced an abundant yield. They sold this crop and prospered that year. 

After the harvest was in, the sons thought again about the bare possibility that they might have missed the buried gold, so they again dug up the fields, with the same result. After several years they became accustomed to labor, and to the cycle of the seasons, something which they had not understood before. Now they understood the reason for their father's method of training them, and they became honest and contented farmers. Ultimately, they found themselves possessed of sufficient wealth and no longer to wonder about the hidden hoard. 

Reflection Questions
The obvious message in this story are that we reap what we sow (quite literally!) and that we don't always know what is best for ourselves... What are two other lessons the story teaches?

Can you recall an experience from your past that you now realize you didn't know what was best for yourself at the time the experience happened?

If there has been a time when you didn't know what was best for yourself, who or what actually did know what was best for you?<b><i><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: normal"></span><font color='darkred'></font></i></b>[i]]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#35933</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#35933</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 29 Mar 2009 07:37:12]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Excellence... 

A German once visited a temple under construction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby. Surprised, he asked the sculptor, "Do you need two statues of the same idol?" "No," said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only one, but the first one got damaged at the last stage." The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?" he asked. "There is a scratch on the nose of the idol." said the sculptor, still busy with his work. "Where are you going to install the idol?" 

The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar twenty feet high. "If the idol is that far, who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?" the gentleman asked. The sculptor stopped his work, looked up at the gentleman, smiled and said, "I will know it." 

The desire to excel is exclusive of the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not. "Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside. Excellence is not for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and efficiency...]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#36150</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#36150</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 5 Apr 2009 08:51:30]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ these stories are really good, I appreciate those.

Thank you.

Miss P. :-) ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#36152</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#36152</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 5 Apr 2009 10:03:41]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Miss P.]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Hi friend, all your stories are very good, i liked almost all stories,

keep on posting, i appreciate your work.

thank you..]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#37585</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#37585</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 17 May 2009 14:22:20]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ vishaljagad]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A Hindu saint who was visiting river Ganges to take bath found a group of family members on the banks, shouting in anger at each other. He turned to his disciples smiled and asked.

'Why do people shout in anger shout at each other?'

Why We Shout When In Anger

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout.' 

'But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you? You can as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner.' asked the saint

Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the other disciples.
Finally the saint explained, .

'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other to cover that great distance. 

What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small...'

The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'

He looked at his disciples and said.

'So when you argue do not let your hearts get distant, Do not say words that distance each other more, Or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return. They may end up in divorce courts, for instance.'

]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#38143</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#38143</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 May 2009 09:56:01]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Digging A
Way Out
There's a man who has been by himself in a prison cell with a dirt floor, crude stone
walls, and there's two windows one of which looks out towards the ocean. All of the sudden, he hears a scratching noise, and he looks down at the ground that is furthest away from the window facing the ocean. He sees the ground moving, and he starts to think he's losing his mind. But soon the ground breaks, and up pops a head with long hair and a beard... it's a prisoner. 
 
And the prisoner says "Sssh. Listen. A group of us have been tunneling for about
six years, and we've finally reached your cell. We have ways to cover up my entrance into this, but now it's all on your shoulders, man. All you have to do," he said while pointing out the window towards the ocean, "you just start digging here and go down about six feet and about 75 feet in that direction and there is freedom, and we're outta here!" 
"Oh, I love that! That's great; I want to be free!" 
 
"Okay, I'll check back with you in a few weeks." 
 
Two weeks later, the pops back in to check on his friend's progress, and his friend nods
back with great affirmation. "Yeah, I've done it." 
 
So the man who was providing the instructions pops down the hole, and two seconds later
pops right back up and says, "What have you done?!?!?" 
"Huh?"
"I told you to dig in the direction towards the OCEAN! This tunnel that you dug
goes back under the wall and into the prison yard." 
 
"Well, the digging was easier in the other direction..." 
 
Reflection:
In your life right now, what is one way you are digging in the "easy" direction?
How might your life be different if you were to dig towards the metaphorical "ocean"?
What tools or resources would enable you to dig in the direction of the "ocean" more often?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#38144</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#38144</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 May 2009 09:57:55]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ A Personification of Difficulty

In the spiritual community that G.I. Gurdjieff led in France, an old man lived there who was the personification of difficulty–irritable, messy, fighting with everyone, and unwilling to clean up or help at all. No one got along with him. Finally, after many frustrating months of trying to stay with the group, the old man left for Paris. 

Gurdjieff followed him and tried to convince him to return, but it had been too hard, and the man said no. At last Gurdjieff offered the man a very big monthly stipend if he returned. How could he refuse? When he returned everyone was aghast, and on hearing that he was being paid (while they were being charged a lot to be there), the community was up in arms. 

Gurdjieff called them together and after hearing their complaints laughed and explained: "This man is like yeast for bread." He said, "Without him here you would never really learn about anger, irritability, patience, and compassion. That is why you pay me, and why I hire him." 

Reflection Questions
Who in your life right now is a lot like the old man in the story? What lessons could you foresee him/her teaching you if you opened yourself up to that possibility?

Have you ever behaved like the old man? If so, how could the people you then encountered have treated you so that you felt cared for and honored?

Now expand your awareness to the global level. Are there any areas of the world or populations of people that either behave like the old man or have been treated as such? How might you show them compassion?

]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#38444</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#38444</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 3 Jun 2009 06:54:30]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ An old man had three children, all boys. When they had grown up to manhood, he called them together and told them that now he was very old and no longer able to provide, even for himself. He ordered them to go out and bring him food and clothing.

The three brothers set out, and after a very long while they came to a large river. As they had gone on together for such a time, they decided that once they got across they would separate. The eldest told the youngest to take the middle road, and th esecond to go to the right, while he himself would go to the left. Then, in a year's time, they would come back to the same spot.

So they parted, and at the end of a year, as agreed, they found their way back to the riverside. The eldest asked the youngest what he had gotten during his travels, and the boy replied: "I have nothing but a mirror, but it has wonderful power. If you look into it, you can see all over the country, no matter how far away."

When asked in turn what he had gotten, the second brother replied: "Only a pair of sandals that are so full of power, that if one puts them on one can walk at once to any place in the country in one step."

Then the eldest himself, said: "I, too, have obtained but little, a small calabash of medicine, that is all. But let us look into the mirror and see how father fares."

The youngest produced his mirror, and they all looked into it and saw that their father was already dead and that even the funeral custom was finished. Then the elder said: "Let us hasten home and see what we can do." So the second brought out his sandals, and all three placed their feet inside them and, immediately, they were borne to their father's grave. Then the eldest shook the medicine out of his bag, and poured it over the grave. At once their father arose, as if nothing had been the matter with him.

Now which of these three sons has performed the best?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#39345</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#39345</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:10:47]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ a special teacher

Years ago a John Hopkin's professor gave a group of graduate students this assignment: Go to the slums. Take 200 boys, between the ages of 12 and 16, and investigate their background and environment. Then predict their chances for the future. 

The students, after consulting social statistics, talking to the boys, and compiling much data, concluded that 90 percent of the boys would spend some time in jail. 

Twenty-five years later another group of graduate students was given the job of testing the prediction. They went back to the same area. Some of the boys - by then men - were still there, a few had died, some had moved away, but they got in touch with 180 of the original 200. They found that only four of the group had ever been sent to jail. 

Why was it that these men, who had lived in a breeding place of crime, had such a surprisingly good record? The researchers were continually told: "Well, there was a teacher..." 

They pressed further, and found that in 75 percent of the cases it was the same woman. The researchers went to this teacher, now living in a home for retired teachers. How had she exerted this remarkable influence over that group of children? Could she give them any reason why these boys should have remembered her?" 

"No," she said, "no I really couldn't." And then, thinking back over the years, she said amusingly, more to herself than to her questioners: "I loved those boys...."]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#40072</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#40072</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:15:32]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The fisheraman and the American MBA

A The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Indian village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. 

Inside the small boat thee were several fishes. The American complimented the Indian on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. 

The Indian replied, "Only a little while." 

The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" 

The Indian said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs." 

The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" 

The Indian fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take rest, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play cards with friends, I have a full and busy life." 

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats.
Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.
You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Kerala , then  and eventually Mumbai you will run your ever-expanding enterprise." 

The Indian fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" 

To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years." 

"But what then?" asked the Indian. 

The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." 

"Millions?...Then what?" 

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would "I sleep late, fish a little, play with your children, take rest, stroll into the village each evening and sip wine and play cards with friends, have a full and busy life. 

Indian said," you are right, but It is not necessary to work double- earn more - then get retired and then do what I am doing now........ till then kids will not remain kids, my and my wife's youth will not remain youth, family will not remain family.... with money you can buy few not all.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#40073</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#40073</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:16:34]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Im not that poetry person but "THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD " is so nice Vivekananda.

But the most i loved & touch with are the letters of Abraham Lincoln.They r jso good thanks for sharing them with us & waking us up from a long sleep.At least  me :mrgreen: ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#41017</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#41017</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 4 Aug 2009 20:20:59]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Maya]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Rule of Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu became very famous, a wise man, and he was without doubt one of the wisest men ever. The emperor of China asked him very humbly to become his chief of the supreme court, because nobody could guide the country's laws better than he could. He tried to persuade the emperor, "I am not the right man," but the emperor was insistent. 

Lao Tzu said, "If you don't listen to me... just one day in the court and you will be convinced that I am not the right man, because the system is wrong. Out of humbleness I was not saying the truth to you. Either I can exist or your law and order and your society can exist. So... let us try it." 

The first day a thief who had stolen almost half the treasures of the richest man in the capital was brought into the court. Lao Tzu listened to the case and then he said that the thief and the richest man should both go to jail for six months. 

The rich man said, "What are you saying? I have been stolen from, I have been robbed—what kind of justice is this, that you are sending me to jail for the same amount of time as the thief?" 

Lao Tzu said, "I am certainly being unfair to the thief. Your need to be in jail is greater, because you have collected so much money to yourself, deprived so many people of money... thousands of people are downtrodden and you are collecting and collecting money. For what? Your very greed is creating these thieves. You are responsible. 

The first crime is yours." ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#41423</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#41423</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:30:00]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Three Monks and a Monastery


Once there were monks 
in a lovely monastery 
tucked away in the country 
on the fringe of the dark woods 
with tall trees & mysterious depths. 

Every place has a head and 
here too 
there was an aged monk who 
was the chief monk. 

This lovely place, had an aura! 
People came & brought their children to bask in the silence! 
They sat & walked, talked and listened. 
They went away, touched 
each in their own way! 

But one day, the chief monk, he died! 
He died as the day waned 
and the wind was blowing 
with the thin top branches were swaying & dancing 
and the evening birds were singing

Once the head monk died, 
Wasn't it natural to wait 
for another monk to become Head! 
Every monk in the monastery wondered: 
'Who is going to be the next Head?'

It would have been simpler if the dead chief had named a monk. 
But he had not! 
The monks talked amongst themselves. 
Each & every monk thought 
and thought and thought..... 

Soon under the weight & burden 
of this question 
Monks grew weary! 
One by one, 
sometimes in groups of four or five, 
they left. 
They left, tired and sombre. 
The air itself was heavy. 

The numbers dropped, of monks and novices! 
The garden was soon overgrown! 
The visitors dwindled, 
The sounds of children's laughter 
no longer wafted in the wind.... 

At last, at long last, 
Three monks remained 
Only three! 
Three monks & a question! 
Who will be head? 

The question went around, 
round & round, 
round & round! 
Like an animal caged. 
No escape, no hope! 
Round & round! 
Round & round! 

A solitary visitor came one day 
He lived in the woods 
in his reclusive chosen home! 
He came to the monastery 
and met three weary monks. 

After a meal 
Just before leaving 
He told the three 
'One of you has the light of God!' 
And left behind three pensive monks! 
Three monks, and a new question! 

'Now, who could it be, With the light of God?' 
Each looked at the other. 
'Could it be him, Or could it be the other?' 
A new question! 
No longer, 'Who will be head?' 
A new question! A new energy! 

Imagine if you are with two others. 
One of whom has the light of God! 
How would you relate? 
Would you be jealous, would you be envious? 
Or would you be happy and careful? 

The monks now approached each other 
with a newfound respect 
a new care. 
And lo and behold the air started to change 

Soon novices started to flock 
in large numbers 
“this was a happening place” 
drawn by the beauty they felt 
something real and not just in words 

Soon the monastery grew 
and once again parents brought their children 
to be touched by the serenity of the place 
and the fragrance of a dropped question....]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42332</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42332</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 3 Sep 2009 07:03:03]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ KNOW UR Value....! 

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a Rupee 500 note. 



In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this Rupee 500 note?"



Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this note to one of you 
but first let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the note up. 

He then asked, "Who still wants it?" 
Still the hands were up in the air. 



"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and 
started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all 
crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" 
Still the hands went into the air. 

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. 
No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not 
decrease in value. It was still worth Rupee 500/-. 


Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt 
by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as 
though we are worthless. 
But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose 
your value. 

You are special. Don't ever forget it! Never let yesterday's disappointments overshadow tomorrow's dreams. 

" VALUE HAS A VALUE ONLY IF ITS VALUE IS VALUED "]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42333</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42333</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 3 Sep 2009 07:04:07]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ I find your story inspirational]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42339</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42339</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 3 Sep 2009 07:23:23]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Ian Paul]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Dear Vivekananda,


thank you for this story.
I really needed to hear this.

]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42346</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42346</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 3 Sep 2009 08:05:43]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Miss P.]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Dear Miss P and Ian

Thanks for your comments

with warm regards
vivekananda]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42676</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42676</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:59:45]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ I am going to ask a question," King Milinda said to Venerable Nagasena, "can you answer?" 

Nagasena said, "Please ask your question." 

The king said, "I have already asked." 

Nagasena said, "I have already answered." 

The king said, "What did you answer?" 

Nagasena said, "What did you ask?" 

The king said, "I asked nothing." 

Nagasena said, "I answered nothing."
-- 
]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42677</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42677</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:05:36]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ “In life many people help you when it suits them, but very few people help when it suits you, make the few and be the few to others.”
 
Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a female village moneylender. The female moneylender, who was old, fat and ugly, fancied the farmer’s handsome son. So she proposed a bargain.

She said she would forego the farmer’s debt if she could marry his son. Both the farmer and his son were horrified by the proposal. So the cunning female moneylender suggested that they let Providence decide the matter. She told them that she would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty moneybag. Then the son would  have  to pick one pebble from the bag.  If he picked the black pebble, he would become her husband  and her father’s debt would be forgiven. If he picked the white pebble he need not marry her and his father’s debt would still be forgiven. But if he refused to pick a pebble, his father would be thrown into jail.

They were standing on a pebble-strewn path in the farmer’s field. As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As she picked them up, the sharp-eyed son noticed that she had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the bag. She then asked the son to pick a pebble from the bag.

Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have  done  if you were the son? If you had to advise him, what would you have told him? Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:

The son should refuse to take a pebble. The son should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the moneylender as a lying, backstabbing female cheat. The son should pick a black pebble and sacrifice himself in order to save his father from his debt and imprisonment.

Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral  and  logical thinking. The son’s dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if he chooses the above logical answers. What would you recommend to the son to do? Well, here is what he did….

What's the answer?
 
 
The son put his hand into the bag and drew out a pebble. Without looking at it, he fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles. ‘Oh, how clumsy of me,’ he said. ‘But never mind, if you look into the bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I picked.’ Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that he had picked the white one. And since the moneylender dared not admit her dishonesty, the son changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Most complex problems do have a solution.. It is only that we don’t attempt to think. A man is but a product of his thoughts… M. K. Gandhi.
 ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42678</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42678</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:06:48]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Heart Of A Mouse


A mouse was in constant distress because of its fear of the cat. A magician took pity on it and turned it into a cat. But then it became afraid of the dog. 

So the magician turned it into a dog. Then it began to fear the panther, so the magician turned it into a panther. Whereupon it was full of fear for the hunter. 

At this point, the magician gave up. He turned it into a mouse again saying, "Nothing I do for you is going to be of any help because you have the heart of a mouse." 

 

Reflection Questions


These questions are intended for your own reflection.if the storiy and reflection questions have enriched your life, please don't hesitate to share your experiences with others

i recommend that you meditate upon the story and questions, or just think about them while taking a drive or a walk. Each story in this section is chosen for its unique ability to inspire deep reflection, and the questions are intended to help you focus that reflection.


What is the main message of this story?
When in your life have you felt like the mouse?
If somebody you cared about felt like the mouse, what advice would you give?
After reflecting on this story, what is one life change you now want to make?
 ]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42730</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42730</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:59:15]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Why Do We Shout In Anger? (Must Read)

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'

'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'

Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.

Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...'

The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'

MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42984</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#42984</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:02:37]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Waves In An Ocean


A little wave was bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He's enjoying the wind and the fresh air—until he notices the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. 

"My God, this is terrible," the wave says. "Look what's going to happen to me!" 

Then along comes another wave. It sees the first wave, looking grim, and it says to him, "Why do you look so sad?" 

The first wave says, "You don't understand! We're all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn't this terrible?" 

The second wave says, "No, YOU don't understand. You're not a wave, you're part of the ocean." 

Reflection Questions

What is the main message of this story?
Do you usually feel more like the first wave or the second? Why?
What are some ways you feel more like the first wave?
If you were a third wave, what might you say to the first two waves?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#43135</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#43135</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:10:30]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Tiger and the Fox


A fox who lived in the deep forest of long ago had lost its front legs. No one knew how: perhaps escaping from a trap. A man who lived on the edge of the forest , seeing the fox from time to time, wondered how in the world it managed to get its food. One day when the fox was not far from him he had to hide himself quickly because a tiger was approaching. The tiger had fresh game in its claws. Lying down on the ground, it ate its fill, leaving the rest for the fox. 

Again the next day the great Provider of this world sent provisions to the fox by this same tiger. The man began to think: "If this fox is taken care of in this mysterious way, its food sent by some unseen Higher Power, why don't I just rest in a corner and have my daily meal provided for me?" 

Because he had a lot of faith, he let the days pass, waiting for food. Nothing happened. He just went on losing weight and strength until he was nearly a skeleton. Close to losing consciousness, he heard a Voice which said: "O you, who have mistaken the way, see now the Truth! You should have followed the example of that tiger instead of imitating the disabled fox." 

Reflection Questions

In what ways do you feel like the disabled fox?

In what ways do you feel like the tiger?

Who is the "Voice" in this story?

Is it okay for the disabled fox to continue living, or would it be better off either dead or never alive in the first place?

Are there any people in your life who are like the disabled fox, but you wish they were more like the tiger?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#43633</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#43633</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:14:06]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>Re:INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ You have always such a great inspiring stories. This one ( The Tiger and the Fox)  is really a braincracker itself too.

Thank you for sharing.

Yes I am answering those questions  (but keep 'em for myself).]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#43640</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#43640</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:26:20]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Miss P.]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ The Dalai Lama and the Dog Boy


The following story is a true experience .

Over twenty years ago, while staying in Bodh Gaya, India, my friends and I began hearing rumors about a boy who had allegedly been found among wild dogs. The rumor in town was that his seemingly canine behavior, lack of speech, inability to walk upright or to eat with his hands indicated that he had probably been raised among the dogs. 

We were intrigued, so it was with enthusiasm that I accepted an invitation to see the boy at a private gathering with the Dalai Lama, who had expressed an interest in the child. The meeting was to be held at the Ghandi Ashram where the boy was staying among a group of social workers and behavioral therapists who has assembled around him. 

Judging from his size, the child appeared to be about five or six years old. Crawling on all fours, his eyes darting from side to side, he was like a frightened animal. Seeing him made me uneasy, such as when I have seen depictions of creatures that are half human and half some other animal. I felt a primal recoil from something alien. This surprised me because I had expected compassion to be my primary response to the boy. 

The Dalai Lama was seated in the center of the room, and the child was brought before him. As the Indian officials and therapists began making their presentations about the boy to the Dalai Lama, he reached down and began to gently stroke the child's head, much as one would pat a dog. 

The gathered assembly pretended not to notice. Was it okay to treat the boy like a dog, or was that not good for his "rehabilitation?" The officials continued explaining their effeorts to train the child to walk, to form words, and so on. All the while, the Dalai Lama continued to stroke the boy's head and shoulders, smiling and warmly murmuring until the child eventually curled up at his feet. 


Reflection Questions

What would you have done if you were the Dalai Lama?
What was communicated from the Dalai Lama to the boy?
What did the boy communicate to the Dalai Lama?
If you talked less with the people in your lives, how might the quality of your relationships change?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#44616</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#44616</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:27:10]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
			<item>
				<title>INSPIRING STORIES</title>
				<description><![CDATA[ Zen Master Blumise On A Whacking Spree

There was chaos at No Wind Monastery. The monks were running scared and the cause of their fear was none other than the head abbot, Zen Master Blumise. They all knew that the only monk who could help them in such desperate times was senior monk Tara, and the monks were running around frantically trying to find her. 

Finally, a group located her sitting by the river enjoying the late afternoon sun. 

"What's all this ruckus about?" she asked, rather alarmed at seeing a gang of anxious monks approaching her. "And why is one side of each of your faces red?" she continued, noticing the glowing redness on the left cheek of every monk. 

"Master Blumise has lost his marbles," replied Chin. "He is running around the monastery asking everyone what time is it? And as soon as you tell him the time, he gives you one tight slap and moves on to the next victim. In fact, he has slapped monk Gzan twice today already, see both his cheeks are red!" Chin exclaimed, while pointing out Gzan's very red face. 

"The old bugger is still pretty strong," muttered Gzan. 

Just then a very irritated Master Blumise burst onto the scene. 

"Tara!" he yelled, "What time is it?" 

Tara looked up calmly, smiled and said, "The time is now, Master," and that was the end of that. Master Blumise bowed deeply to his beloved student and left the now awakened congregation of monks to reflect on this right answer.

Reflection Questions
 
Why does Master Blumise call this the "right" answer?
 
Do you agree with Master Blumise? Why or why not?
 
How might your life be different if you knew you would live forever?
 
What if you knew you'd die one month from now?]]></description>
				<guid isPermaLink="true">http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#44798</guid>
				<link>http://forum.esnips.com/posts/list/1271.page#44798</link>
				<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:58:16]]> GMT</pubDate>
				<author><![CDATA[ Vivekananda]]></author>
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>