contributed by Mr Balasunder
Thought of the week -6th May 2024
contributed by Mr Balasunder
Simple and Impactful
Photo by Parsa Mahmoudi on Unsplash
This is too good not to share. I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:
1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2. I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3. I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4. I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5. I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already told that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
Continue readingHow to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
Imagine a world where reading isn’t just passing words on a page, but a thrilling puzzle to be cracked, a conversation to be engaged in, and a treasure trove of knowledge to be unearthed.
This is the world promised by Mortimer J. Adler’s seminal work, “How to Read a Book”.
Here are 10 guiding principles of reading from “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler:
Principle One: Active Reading
Imagine reading like a detective, not a spectator. Don’t simply let the words flow past you. Actively engage the text:
What is the author’s main point?
What evidence do they use to support their claims?
Are there any logical fallacies or inconsistencies?
Can I connect this to other things I know?
Take notes on key points, arguments, and questions. Highlight significant passages for later reference.
Principle Two: Purposeful Reading
What drives you to pick up a book? Identify your reason:
Enjoyment: Get lost in a story, laugh, or escape reality.
Information: Learn new facts, gain knowledge on a specific topic.
Understanding: Develop a deeper comprehension of complex ideas or philosophies.
Knowing your purpose guides your reading pace, level of analysis, and whether you annotate or simply absorb the story.
Principle Three: Diversity in Reading
Don’t get stuck in a reading rut! Explore different genres, authors, and topics. Reading a variety of books:
-Expands your knowledge base.
-Challenges your existing perspectives.
-Develops different reading skills for different types of texts.
-Think of it like exercising different muscles to become a well-rounded reader.
Principle Four: Syntopic Reading
Don’t read books in isolation. Look for other books on the same subject and compare and contrast them. This allows you to:
-See different perspectives and interpretations of the topic.
-Identify common themes and arguments across different sources.
-Form a more nuanced and informed understanding of the subject.
-It’s like having a conversation with several experts on the same topic.
Principle Five: Annotation as Memory Enhancement
Treat your books like active learning tools. Underline key passages, write notes in the margins, and even create diagrams to visualize complex ideas. This:
-Reinforces your understanding during and after reading.
-Provides a quick reference point for revisiting key points.
-Creates a personalized study guide for future review.
-Turn your books into active learning resources.
Continue reading
Thought of the Week – 29th April 2024 (4)
Thought of the Week – 29th April 2024 (3)
Thought of the Week – 29th April 2024 (2)
Thought of the Week – 29th April 2024
Book of the Month – April 2024 : The Power of your Subconscious Mind – Joseph Murphy
Dr Joseph Murphy spent a good part of his life studying eastern religions and was a scholar of the I Ching, the Chinese book of divination. He was also, for 28 years, minister at the Los Angeles branch of the Church of Divine Science, a New Thought church that promotes a practical spirituality, free of religious creed and dogma. He believed he had found secrets concerning the subconscious that were beyond time and culture. Many people say their lives were not the same after reading this book. The subconscious is powerful and what you get from Murphy is the realisation that unless you try to understand the non-rational mind, your rational desires and plans will be forever sabotaged.
“The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” is a remarkable book that delves deep into the inner workings of the human mind, providing invaluable insights into self-understanding and the art of controlling our thoughts on a daily basis. Authored by Joseph Murphy, this timeless masterpiece has had a profound impact on my understanding of myself and the power I possess within.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the immense depth of this book. Murphy’s writing style is clear, concise, and accessible, allowing readers of all backgrounds to fully grasp the profound concepts he presents. He explores the intricate workings of the subconscious mind, shedding light on how our beliefs, thoughts, and emotions shape our realities.
What sets “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” apart is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. Murphy provides a treasure trove of techniques and exercises to harness the immense power of the subconscious mind. From visualization and affirmations to the art of self-suggestion, readers are equipped with a comprehensive toolkit to take control of their thoughts and ultimately their lives.
One of the most significant takeaways from this book is the understanding that our subconscious mind is constantly at work, influencing our thoughts and behaviors. By becoming aware of our subconscious programming, we gain the ability to rewire and reprogram it with positive and empowering beliefs. This realization alone has transformed the way I approach challenges, enabling me to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones that align with my goals and aspirations……
(Recommended by Mr.Maharaja)
Blueprints of Awakening
“I have no biography. This body has a biography but this is not very important. Why insist on that?
You can give your reflections about how it was when you met me and what you have seen here. That much you can share, but there is no need of describing what kind of dreams I was into, what kind of dreams I carried, now that the person to whom you are talking has no history, has no past and has no future. This person is just living into this moment and this is the expression of life. It is like a beautiful flower. You don’t have to ask anything to a flower. You enjoy the beauty and the fragrance of the flower, and that is enough.
If you ask me, I am a businessman, I go to the factory, I am a husband to my wife, I am a grandfather and father to my children, and that is it, that is all!
Lessons from 30 Years of building
( Recommended by Justin B)
ONE TUSK 