Candlelight Vigil in Tempe

My experiments with simplicity

My experiments with simple living began sometime last year while I was trying to work for a cause for not so privileged people. My realization took a different understanding that while a lot is to be done for the poor and the marginalized but it’s no less than what I could do with myself. My thinking, lifestyle choices, actions are all can be simplified. It is by no means a simple task where we have practiced the art of acquiring fast and fumbled things. The less we take from anywhere (only what is required) the more will be available for others. Idea is to have a conscious thinking involved. The disparity is the name of disease and we all play a role in it at some level.
Things I have or been trying to do this are many but may not be enough, but I try. I speak less and try to listen more. I try to listen more to weak voices. I have stopped comparing myself with others. I do not buy things unless they are really required and more essentially stopped duplicating. I do not feel bad when I miss the latest movies,sports or fashion. I have not bought a new single thing in past 10 months ranging from clothes, shoes, bags. I wanted to see if I can do this for an entire year. And I am just two more months to go and I am not desperately waiting for this time to pass. I just don’t feel like buying unless its justified in my head. I eat out less I always calculate the benefit it can have with even that small amount if I just put it for a cause. I use my time more wisely and try to incorporate good reading in some part of the day. I have stopped arguing altogether. I speak truthfully and care genuinely. I make my point quietly and justifiably and then let it go. My biggest challenge was controlling anger when I saw something wrong or dishonest. I have done really well in past few months while doing so and it’s become remarkably less.
While my journey continues I will keep collecting these wonderful results and will share as and when I can. Till then try simplicity and stay simple! These days I am trying to write in Hindi (Susha font) on computer and I tried this absolute wonderful song (which you might have heard before) and its translation in my way. Its totally cool!

vaOSnava jana toa tonao kihyao
pIr prayaI jaanao ro.
A true human being is one
who understands someone else’s pain.

pr duKo ]pkar kro taoe
mana AiBamaana naa Aanoa ro.
While doing good to others,
There is no pride entered in his/her mind.

sakla laaok maana sahunao vando
inanda naa kro konaI ro.
A true human being praises others,
And does not carp about anyone.

vaaca kaca mana inaYCla raKI
Qana Qana janaina tonaI ro.
He/she keeps words and actions immaculate,
And the person’s mother is blessed.

sama idRYiT nao tRYnaa tyaaiga
pr st`I/ jaonao maat ro.
A true human being never embraces greed and avarice
Considers else’s husband or wife with respect.

ijavha qaaik Asa\\tyaa naa baaolao
pr Qana nava JaalaI haqa ro.
The tongue never gets tired of speaking of truth
And never touches someone else’s money.

maaoh maayaa vyaapa nahI jaonao
dRD vaOragya jaonaa mana maana ro.
A simple person never gets attached to worldly attachments,
He/she devotes the life to staunch simplicity of actions and thoughts.

rama rama SaUna talI laaIga
sakla tIrqa tonaa tna maana ro.
A true person obtains peace in God’s name
And all the pilgrimages happen in the mind.


vana laaoBaI nao kpT riht Co:
kama kRaoQa inavaa’yaa ro.
One who has given up greed and deceit,
And also all kinds of anger and lust along with it.

Banao narsaOyaao tonauna drYana krta
kula ekaotor taryaa ro.
Everyone else will be happy to meet such a person,
By virtue of whose presence the entire surrounding will get purer.