Gerald D'Cunha

This is an interesting story -- with some strange co-incidents -- and, they had to unfold, mysteriously, on the same day. The day was today. I said 'mysteriously'-- because, *Salim and *Pravin (*not the real names), both my ex-students, had come to see me today. Consider this: -- Both graduated from my institute about five years ago; -- Both had finacial difficulties at home. -- Salim was not comfortable with any fee-concession or a waiver; he was very dignified, had high self-esteem. Thus, he would meet me privately, those days, explain to me his home-situation, take a few weeks or months more to clear off his dues. But, clear off he would, like a gentleman. Moreover, he would express his gratitude, profusely, and do it quite often. After he passed out, he kept referring my institute to his friends and, also, would speak very highly about me to them. That was his way of repaying his debt to his teacher. -- On the other hand, Pravin and his parents, woul...

Does Devil tempt my mind? Or, is my mind itself a Devil? It's months now, since my first blog article was published. I was glad and proud about it. Many of my well-wishers sent me feedback, and, obviously, 'nice' ones. Many of them kept urging me to post my new articles ... at least one in a week. Writing is my passion, and I do write on a daily basis ... and, I write them in the form of my notes. So, what a big deal? Why didn't I post a new piece during all these months? Perhaps, I wanted to see what would happen if I do not yield to that 'compulsion' to have my 'notes' published ... I wanted to see what would happen if I step back at the very hieght of popularity. It is very tempting to go by the popular wave, yield to the pressures of your friends and well-wishers. When I did not have a blog, I longed for one. The blog came ... and with it the pressures and compulsions: "I must do it, come what may." But, a voice inside screamed at me: ...

Some days back, I saw a Hindi movie, and returned highly disappointed. I was grumbling all the way home. Ironically, I had ‘chosen’ to watch this movie; no one had forced me to watch it. Moreover, I had decided to watch it, because, I wanted to unwind myself, recharge my batteries. But, here I was – with a fresh load of stress … being let down, being disappointed! The next morning, I was having a discussion with my friend, Mukesh, in my office, and the topic of the movie came up. “It’s a complete crap,” I commented, instinctively. Perhaps, to vent out my frustration, to unburden my load. Mukesh hadn’t seen that movie. So, he responded to my comment with this story: Once, a disciple went to his Master with a ‘gurudhakshina’ – an offering to one’s Guru. This disciple had completed the study under his Master, and was confident that there was nothing more to learn. So, he had gone to express his gratitude to his Master with the offering – some valuable things. When the Master saw his disci...