Haunted

In the past, our parents often advised us not to go or pass through particular places. Many reasons they revealed. By all means, we were considered to be still little enough and they did not want us to get hurt. Affection, love and compassion underlie it. Actually, the suggestion is not only intended for small children, but also for everyone. It is valid for children, adult, male and female. In short, it is valid for all. There is a major reason when it comes to all these groups: it’s haunted! Yes, it’s haunted or sacred. The place may be haunted or inhabited by ghosts and so forth. To sum up, please do not get there, it’s hazardous.

Read more...

Tat Tvam Asi

One of the main grand pronouncements (Mahavakya) in Hinduism based on Vedic scriptures is Tat Tvam Asi that literally means “You are that” or “That you are.” However in the contemporary context, the meaning develops and expands to:”I am you” and “you are me.” It refers to the concept of equality, tolerance, solidarity, brotherhood and so on.

It contains fundamental things. In other words, there is a noble and universal value on how human beings should behave towards the environments, both natural and social environment at their surroundings. Provision of this philosophical education is actually given by our ancestors. It is not just pronouncements, slogans or whatever people name it that is wonderful to be spoken but not in practice.

Read more...

A Dog Story

There is a story in the famous Mahabharata epic. After the Bharatayuda War ends the Pandavas crowns Parikshit as the new King of Hastina. Yudhishthira and his wife Draupadi along with Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva decide to go to the Himalayas. Along the way, Yudhishthira meets a dog and then they come to heaven.

Prior to reaching the summit, one by one dies. Starting from Draupadi, Sahadeva to Nakula meet their fate. Arjuna, the most qualified knight, cannot escape from death and neither can Bima. Now, only Yudhishthira can do it accompanied by his dog. Shortly after arrival at the doors of heaven, Lord Indra has first picked up. However, Lord Indra refuses his dog to go to heaven. Yudhishthira insists that the faithful dog must go with him. They are arguing, but eventually the loyal dog transforms into the Lord Dharma. Ultimately they go to heaven together. That’s the end of the story.

Read more...

No Photo Sir..!

A number of friends having profession as a photographer, both the amateur and professional, complained about one important thing related to their hobbies as well as job. Actually, other than those friends, some others who are working as journalist also complained about the same subject. Possibly, the list of complaining people can grow longer. What is the matter?

Apparently, they have a problem where they can no longer take photos or images at their own will. In other words, it is not only the object snapshot considered sacred, but they are indeed not allowed to take any photos by the owner of events. Moreover, they are also asked for money when taking photos at few tourist attractions. “It happens at the famous paddy field attraction in Tabanan as well as in the northern areas of Gianyar,” complained the photographer. Once upon a time, he would like to take photographs but he was prohibited. When asked why, the man prohibiting him told that he should pay a sum of money. “It’s about USD 10 or approximately equal to IDR 100,000,” he said.

Read more...

Bali-Australia

Distant relatives are close neighbors. Thus the proverb goes. Even though the Indonesia-Australia relations seem to heat up as a result of the execution of the two drug kingpins, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, it will gradually improve in harmony with the passage of time. Historically, geographical proximity does not necessarily make the bilateral relations always smooth. There are ups and downs. It can be caused by a variety of factors. And in the context of international relations, it is a commonplace.

Even though the current Jakarta-Canberra relations are not good, it must be understood with a cool head. It is not necessary to be very reactive to comments on the tough stance of the Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Tony Abbot and other voices in the media that do not represent the expectation of the entire people of the Kangaroo Continent.

Read more...