Weekly Intent -- Suresh Kumar
Intent - May 21, 2006
My name is Suresh Kumar. I live in the UK, working as an IT Architect for a very large Oil & Gas company, and I am just about to start my Executive MBA at the University of Chicago GSB.
links
Ive just come back from a business trip in Bangalore, so catching up on my RSS feeds has been a bit slow. That all said, i have recently been keeping track of the musings from the guys behind Sepia Mutiny and Turbanhead....... and also what Dim Summer is saying on the latest desi-fused beats over at Ethno Techno.
ragas
Talking about music, more recently I have been seen lurking on My Space -- which for all its criticism of garish profiles by 16-years girls with way too much mascara listening to college grunge music ; is on the whole not a bad place to connect up with people. But unlike blogs, where people tend to congregate around subject matters (e.g. Spirituality in this case), myspace.com has managed to uniquely bind people who have some connection on a musical level. The theory that everyone in the world is connected by 6-other people may or may not be relevant, but if I find someone that likes the same music as me, I make a connection with that person, its at a different level, its not always easy to define it. Yet, in many of our discussions on various paths of enlightenment or getting closer to reality, the universal language of music is one that seems less discussed, but I’m sure it can transcend all barriers of age, culture, language. None of this should be surprising since music is nothing but energy and like out thoughts have been codified by the ancient seers through the various ragas. Myspace.com through its network of associations has been an interesting way to discover people and music in a more intuitive way.
abdul kalam
Talking about India and my trip to Bangalore, it cannot be overstated enough that as a traveller to a new country the airport and the officials you meet are your first real impressions of that place. I was with my buddy, he’s from Houston, but he was travelling with me, and it was his first trip to India. So it was with some sadness that his first experience of India was the customs officials asking him to pay a $400 fine. It seems you have to pay $400 if you bring a second laptop into India. Now im all for sticking to the rules, hell even if that means paying the fine. What wasn’t so pleasant was the customs official (lets just call him ‘grease-the-wheels’ monkey) suggesting that if he had cash, he would accept a smaller fine. So what do we do, we accept his suggestion -- How gracious are our Indian Airports Authority Government officials!
Of course, I realised straight afterwards that I sounded like just another Indian complaining about the bureaucracy, corruption, filth and the intransigence in India. It was at that very moment, I was passing a book shop where I saw a book by Abdul Kalam (President of India), and then I recall a speech he had once given in Hydrabad, I recite one of the final lines of that speech he wrote: “Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money ...” – boy, did I feel guilty.
vivekananda
So being in India, I decided to take my Yoga mat with me. Yeah, I looked like a straight-up, hippy tourist walking around with my nice new shiny “Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre” mat bag. My uncles found the whole thing all rather amusing, “So Suresh, you now do Yoga? – what about shuttle cock and gym exercise?”. I had to tell them, that was so 80’s. But of course behind their joke, I reckon there was a quiet embarrassment from my uncles and cousins, afterall, wasn’t Yoga an Indian thing and here’s this dude coming to visit them and no one there had the slightest idea about Yoga. Yep, I had smug written all over my face, I even went to visit my local Sivananda Yoga Centre in Trivandrum, to big up the Swami’s teachers over there. I even got to do my sun-salutation at 6am on a bright morning on a terrace, how cool was that. I think I left Trivandrum being known as the Yoga Chettan (younger brother)… So I did my bit to spread the word.
I think Swami Vivekananda would be proud of me, after all he was the one that said that it would ultimately be the West that would rekindle Spiritualism back in to the East. And after this trip, and seeing the level of consumerism and materialism around, they sure do need it.
prejudice
Anyhow, as is customary, on intentblog, I think I do need to leave you all with an intention for the week.
I have another friend who I can best describe as being a ‘Bush-loving-neo-conservative-Christian’. But the strange thing is we get along, we can hit the bars, have a beer, watch football, eat the juiciest steaks; eye up the girls, eat Indian food, but as long as we don’t walk across the territory of religion/politics, were just fine. And that’s when I realised, that if you sometimes focus on the positive aspects of a relationship, or the aspects where people have a mutual common, the bits where you disagree tend to become less important. Even more, you start to build understanding of both points of views; in short, the divide is reduced. Perhaps we need more of that in the world; I have my fair share of prejudices (rightly or wrongly) about Islam. It’s so easy to take a stand with someone on some damn principle, because you may not see eye-to-eye on something, and as a result shun certain types of people.
So my intent of the week, is to face your fears, face your prejudices, face your pet-hates, go and try and find some ounce of commonality in the very person that you would be uncomfortable with. And really do it with intent, because you might start to warm to that person. Thanks and have a lovely week!
Suresh Kumar xxx
www.myspace.com/captaink99
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Posted by Intent at May 21, 2006 08:16 AM
Comments
Aloha Suresh
Four hundred extra for a second lap top:) You have to love the thief in all of us. The person next to you is always the person to find the portal within. Osho shares we fall into relationships because we fear being alone. We are connecting the diamonds. love patty
All the best on your MBA success, Suresh!!
North
India is still third world coutry and WHole india is "GAY".I went to India once after hearing lot of stories from Media..It was nightmare.China is much much better place than India.Bythway Who is abdul kalam? It sounds like terrorist name...
JD
In Deepak's 'Book of Secrets' and now your post, you inform us that spirituality is leaving (or has left) India. Deepak's book stated, somethign of the effect "When I was a student in India the spiritual seekers were Americans and the materialists were my fellow Indians." As a certified white bread American I have longed for the day when I could land on the spiritual soil of India.....perhaps visit Ranhiket or Sri Yukteswar's ashram or find my very own life changing Guru. I know there is much to see in India still but it is so sad that materialism in the world is winning out Spirituality.
You sound like a very dynamic and interesting person. No wonder you have been asked to post here. I hope you join and post more and wish you much luck and happiness.
Suresh,
Hello! Nice to meet you. Thank you for joining us today.
I live in Nebraska and the spiritual revival from
the West
probably won't include many hard-core Republicans here.
But since I live in the home of Big Red Football,
a commonality in conversing with others on this
subject is a requirment.
Don't think I mind it, I love football too!
And of course the weather, anybody will talk about that.
Many of us at Intent are music oriented, it goes with this
territory. I believe the old Bards spoke a lot of
truths. I like some new age instumental in the
background as I type, it loosens me up.
I do my stretches at work, all day long. It took
a long time to stop being so self-concious about
what others thought, or said. Now everybody has to
do warm-ups before work, I may have had something
to do with that.
Good luck working for a big oil co. tho, you'll
undoubtably take a lot of crap for it.
Come and chat sometime...we may bite. Peace, Keith
Hey Suresh!
Great blog. I like what you had to say about concentrating on our commonalities and also about the instinctual bond we all share through music.
I agree with what you wrote about being exposed to so much amazing music through myspace. BTW, it was me who sent you the add request.
Love, Jodi
Hi Suresh Kumar, welcome to Intentblog. I liked Abdul Kalam's words you posted. I like to do yoga too. I really liked your intent, especially finding an ounce of commonality. God bless.
Hey Suresh!
Nice thoughts... thanks!
Good luck with ur MBA. What do you intend to specialize in? & would u have to stay away from work (UK) or will u work from here.... just curious u see... :)
God Bless!
Hi Suresh,
You sound like a friendly, intelligent guy. Nice to meet you.
When I read your post what came to me was the issue of extremes versus the "middle path".
In politics, we tend to see all black-and-white. The other guy's politics are all wrong, and mine are all right.
Really, however, as you note, when we actually connect up with "the other guy" we actually find out they aren't incarnations of pure evil, after all, but are actually - well, folks more or less like us.
Building the bridge of a friendship sets the ground. I predict that one day after a couple of pints, you two will actually discuss politics. If a firm foundation of mutual respect is there, and you each refrain from taking absolutist viewpoints, you might find that you can have a civil, intelligent discussion.
My own brother is at the opposite end of the political spectrum from myself. In short bursts, I can understand his logic, even if I don't agree with it. We can agree to disagree, which is sometimes what it comes down to.
But it is civil, and he's a bright guy who has carefully thought out his positions. That much I have to respect, at least.
It is the blocking out of all other viewpoints and the absolute insistence on our rightness-by-god that burns the bridges and destroys the connections between people.
Having different opinions is not actually a problem. It's the illogical defenses that we build up around our cherished beliefs that cause all the problems.
Cheers,
Yogi-one
Hello Suresh,
A nice straight from the heart read - welcome.
As someone who has lived all his life in India and just about seen it all, I still cringe with shame when I read or hear stories like yours at the customs. What a way to start an Indian experience and I just feel very sorry for those who have to go through it.
If there is one modern day icon availbale to-day, for me it is Abdul Kalam. He writes as simply and without any airs whatsoever, sadly few that I know bother to read his books.
mason -- yes of course there much too still see and explore in India... and i hope your dreams of a visit there is achieved!
kevin -- keep up the stretches - im sure you do bite!
thanks jodi -- yes i recognised you from the first weekly intent posting.. (i just got into Nick Drake - Pink Moon is wonderful!)
Swear Aam -- I will head out to Chicago initially, but it will be based at the new Chiacgo GSB London faculty, but they fly the professors over here during our week of studies...
Y-1 - you hit the nail on the head, anything obtuse tends to polarize people. Although i disagree, politics/religion over beer never works. :)
Dara and Divya -- I agree, Kalam is a good embodiment of nationalism and humanism today in India. Much like Vivekananda over a 100-years ago.
Nice work Suresh! Good luck with the MBA!
Corruption seems to transcend the 3rd world nations (I encountered a similar experience in Africa), but alas, the system and as you say, the people are not willing to change! Sad really!
Catch you again soon on myspace! It's weird how it's become a real phenomenon!
All the very best
Ashanti OMkar AKA Geetha
www.myspace.com/ashantiomkar
Nice work Suresh! Good luck with the MBA!
Corruption seems to transcend the 3rd world nations (I encountered a similar experience in Africa), but alas, the system and as you say, the people are not willing to change! Sad really!
Catch you again soon on myspace! It's weird how it's become a real phenomenon!
All the very best
Ashanti OMkar AKA Geetha
www.myspace.com/ashantiomkar
Dear Suresh
Great post -- I thoroughly enjoyed its combination of quiet intelligence, sly humor, and real principles.
Cheers to you!
love, Heather
Oops, i'm a bit late on this one. I sent a friend request to you, Suresh (not that you have to accept, but just letting you know its from here) (and Ashanti, if you happen to read this again).
Nice post! And thats an interesting quote from Vivekananda.. i've been seeing his name all over the place recently, maybe I should check him out a bit. Since the east has started whacking the west's booty in things like technology, it would make sense that the west brought the east's spirituality back to them.. in both cases a bit different (arguabley improved) by expandinding it from the domination of one culture/society, to that of just "humans".
Dear Suresh Kumar,
I have not read yet what is your intent in the Weekly Intent, but your photo caught my attention.
You seem to be sucking your right thumb and pulling your left ear with your left hand!
Do you like sucking your thumb and pulling your own ears? Were you given self punishment pulling your ears in childhood when your parents caught you sucking your own thumb?
Sincerely
SK
SK -- aka Bhagwan, White Wings, Papa Answers, Papa Asks and whatever other names you go by -- as I wrote in another post, if you choose to comment, please refrain from personal attacks.
(Perhaps this will make you happy -- after months of your inane comments, you are finally getting to me. Perhaps that will give you some happiness. I hope so, so that we all can move on. I give in...)
Thank you.
Mallika
Hey Suresh,
Really well written & honest blog. I meandered into intentblog after a long time, was glad to see a honest and unpretentious post.
I agree on your point about intending to see the commonality. Some of my best relationships have the biggest differences. These relationships survive because of mutual respect, not some hollow premise of agreements.
cheers
Mallika: I, for one, am very proud of your last post here.
This "individual" has had only one intent from the very beginning, and that has been, is, and will continue to be to insult and discredit you, your family, your contributers, and ultimately your audience and posters--for no other reason than to tear down something very wonderful, like the Intentblog.
This individual, and the many false identities associated with "him," have never attempted to communicate with a single poster, with the exception of himself through his aliases, and only then to give the appearance that there are others who "agree" with his pathetic and thinly-veiled desire to pit people against each other, especially by inflaming whatever differences your audience may already hold on any topic, divisive or not.
This person has long reminded me of the vile serpent who quietly slithers in to "poison the well," and subtly inject his venom into the minds of trusting and unsuspecting contributors and audience members.
It is like the serpent who, when cornered, threatened with exposure, or is setting up for an "ego meal," uses it's supple spine to extend itself upward like the cobra, and then fan out it's "hooded veil," so as to intimidate it's "prey" into submission, through fear and the veil-of-illusion, as it's "hood" makes it look bigger and more deadly, and by mesmerizing it's target thusly, it may then more certainly inject it's poisonous toxins through the paralyzing illusions of fear--ie., "False Evidence Appearing Real!"
Good on you Mallika--many wonderful contributors and posters have been silenced, out of fear of more unfounded attacks by the likes of such pathetic characters as this, who have nothing better to do than sabotage others' good works.
He reminds me also of some of those who are hired by our political parties, ones whose "soul" job is to discredit a worthy candidate by any means, and win by dividing-and-conquering; and if that isn't working, to make sure sophisticated and well-planned-out means for vote-tampering are also in place.
On that note, it still amazes me when I hear anybody refer to King George as having "won either of these presidential elections;" or that the American people actually voted this man and his "ilke" into office--but then again, this one is about an individual who hides behind a name which normally has high-value spiritual implications, as Geeta has pointed out in another post; and yet, has no intention or true ability, to further enlighten anyone, least of all himself (I continue to assume "he's a man," since women rarely stoop so low--but then again....-maybe "just a degenerate 'whatever?'").
Have a really nice holiday weekend, Mallika, and the same to your family, and all of the families and friends of this most-beloved "Intentblog family"--smile bhagwan, learn some manners, and get a life! Dave
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Recent Comments
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David commented on Weekly Intent -- Suresh Kumar
Mallika: I, for one, am very proud of your last
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santosh k commented on Weekly Intent -- Suresh Kumar
Hey Suresh,
Really well written & hones
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Mallika Chopra commented on Weekly Intent -- Suresh Kumar
SK -- aka Bhagwan, White Wings, Papa Answers, P
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SK commented on Weekly Intent -- Suresh Kumar
Dear Suresh Kumar,
I have not read yet
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Ameya commented on Weekly Intent -- Suresh Kumar
Oops, i'm a bit late on this one. I sent a frie
Great post Suresh. You've listed some of my favorite Indians - Vivekananda and Abdul Kalam. I'll be sad to see him go next year.
As for prejudice - sometimes people make informed decisions too.