Meena Mangalathil:

Rafael, why is it that we are like trees? Nature, is our users manual, which shows how we should live, and the tree is the pictorial representation or we can say real life representation, now we learned, the importance of sun for the survival of plants and be sure, that the plant have no choice, because its a necessity, without sun, it will not live. We too have a necessity, a necessity for survival, not by food or water, but by our inner light, without that we would be lost. Now the next quality of tree, which is very important for its survival is, steadfast commitment to the soil. What does that mean Rafael? First and foremost, it stays true to the soil whicg gave place for its survival and even after death, it would hold steadily the soil together and give the very last of its very being to its creator, the soil, which means, we should have a commitment to our creator, that too an unwavering commitment. We are not the owners of our being, it has to return back to the cr...

Man is created like a tree. Rafael,  are you kidding? No, its a fact, but the only difference is, the tree should be upside down, to become a man. But that's weird Rafael,  how can that be possible? Well, take our hair, it looks like the root of the tree, our hands and legs, looks like the, Branches? Yes, Branches And what looks like leaves? Well physically nothing because itsthe power house of the tree, which becomes our internal organs, but still we have the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, etc systems. The best thing Ifelt awed was, there are two main outlets and inlets, one is the leaves, that would come to the whole tree above the ground and the other part is the root,  which completely lies under the ground which cannot be seen and our body too has the same system, the eyes, ears, nose, skin, mouth, etc are a sort of both outlet and inlet, which can be seen, while the outlet and inlet of our internal organs are inside the body, which cannot be s...

"Rafael,  what is the most important thing, that we should never do when we are in a profession?" First and foremost thing is, never be insincere to your job, its actually like cheating your boss,  the people you served. Never hate your job, its a source of income, helping you and making you a respectable person, giving you a social security, you are throwing away the chance to prove your mettle. These two are the most important things that you should be careful never to do in a profession, if ever you do it, then the chances of peofession kicking you out would be more. All nodded. I think its more than enough for today. Until then Take care Bye Meena

"Rafael, which is the best job, which has more scope now-a-days? One of my cousins is sure what he wants, but his parents are knocking all doors and windows, to know the scope of each job." "But that's bad on your cousin Mark, why can't the parents understand, what he likes?" "Children, don't criticize your parents, they think only of your future, after 10 years, they should ensure, their children, would be able to sustain themselves and not have to extend their hand for help. Now you feel unfair because, they study the pros and cons of this decision. But if they do not check it now, then you would feel the unfairness after 10 years, so which is best?" "Now is better." "Good, but you can give them the confidence of your choice." "Really!!!! How?" "Remember, the perfection of the job, is what bring success to the profession, even if you are a sweeper, no matter, how many people move around the plac...

Rafael, I would like to know, how would you define life, according to you. So that we too understand, what it is. Hmmm, that's tricky I usually get answers more from nature, since, its open to all. So I'll give it from there itself, if you don't mind. No not at all, go on, we are all ears. Life is like an Ocean because It has depth,  which cannot be easily measured, our life cannot be measured in the sense of our feelings, our worth and above all the relationships bound with each other. Life is an ocean because it has ripples on the surface the daily ups and downs of life, the small happiness and sorrows, the small winnings and losings are all  like the ripple of water. Life is an ocean because it is vast, we do not know where it ends or where it starts, but we know it is there, just like life, we do not know where to start or where to end, we just live. Whatever or however you define life, there is one thing you should know, it has identity, the identity ...

"Hi Rafael,  today I got mu results. " "Well,  that's great news, congratulations." "But Rafael,  you didn't ask whether I passed or not." "Its not necessary to pass or fail, now you are entering the next phase of life, whether you like it or not, you are there and I'm glad, you have reached here safely Ajay. Now you would have added responsibility of making decisions and if it backfires, then you are held responsible, if your choice was right, the praise would also be yours, in this phase, you have many experiences and with that, many friends and foes and a lot of explanations, etc..." "Yes Rafael,  I'm aware of it because my mom had already asked me to decide which subject to take two years back. She had asked me to put three choices and not to put too much heart on the first choice alone." "Why did she say like that? Do you have any idea?" "Yes guys, she told,  if by any chance, we miss on ...

"Rafael,  today it was really windy, wasn't it? I thought it'd rain, but the wind took away the clouds. " all nodded. "Yes Mark,  I had some casualties in my garden,  some branches were downed by the wind and all the plants have been shaken to the very root. Now it takes time to get back to normal, anyway, the vigour with which it was growing,  might not be revived but still,  it would grow just fine, anyway, the next time, when a storm comes by, it'd be much more prepared. " all nodded. Oh!!! That' terrible Rafael,  your garden was so beautiful,  the trees were the show pieces (all nodded) Yes, but what can we do, we cannot control the wind, well for that matter, when nature is hell bent to make such havoc, we just have to wait to let it do the damage. But that's unfair Rafael There is nothing unfair,  Monica, the nature is our own extension. What does that mean Rafael? Now look at the storm, it really messed lots of gardens and t...

"Rafael, its easy to say to find what we are comfortable with. But in practice it is difficult. Even though if we go about finding it, we feel bored by searching from one activity to the next and before long we will know, its no use and we become losers." "Hmmm that's too bad, I thought you guys had some punk in you. I thought you were go getters and not sit and complain all the time." "We are go getters for sure Rafael, but this is a life situation, we can't waste the whole time testing what we are comfortable at." "OK so you people are serious,  that's good, but there is one thing, we have no control, even though if its life or death situation, there is a back pulling factor." "What is it Rafael?" "Its time." "That was what we were saying." "ou were saying about the earlier the better and save time, but I was meaning another time, which means, whatever is happening to us or what shou...

"Rafael,  what's the easiest route to face life?" "Be simple." "That simple?" All smiled. "Yes, that simple,  when you were small what was your worry? " "Thinking of it now, there eas nothing, when angry, happy, hurt, whatever emotions we had eas shown then and there, not even bothering to think of its consequences. But now, its so complicated, that I'm not sure whether to do it or not do it, or say it or not say it. I'll have to plan each and every thing of my life. Its really tiring, Rafael.' "Always on the tight rope?" "Exactly. " "Not knowing where the next step would end?" "Yes absolutely right. But that is so boring, one after the other. Life should be really enjoyedisn't it Rafael? " "Yes,  it is. But not in the sense like party, booze and all that sorts. It would lead to more inner emptiness leading to hopelessness." "Never think, that thi...

"Rafael, today I happened to hear a sermon on television, it was about God naturally, but what got my attention was, the priest spoke, 'People search God,  when they have no hope of survival,  when he is in the deepest of gorges.' But,  I don't understand how does man know where to go, when he himself has not seen God? " "Great question Rebecca,  what does birds do, when the sun starts to set?" "Return to the nest, naturally." "Yes you're right, but how would they know where the nest is, when there are so many trees of the same type and so , many nests?" "Well, I don't know." "Yes, its complicated to answer. But one thing we know for sure, that it surely reaches and stays in its own nest, that means, it has a homing device inbuilt in it. Now for babies, they immediately recognize its mother, in a maze of other faces, how?" "The same homing device. " "Yes, Just like that, even i...

"Rafael,  our headmistress retired. She was our Chemistry teacher. She was very kind and very loving too. The whole school were crying when she bade farewell.  Why should it be sad, when we seperate from our loved ones?" "I am sorry to hear, that a good teacher retired because of age. But still you people should feel lucky, that you have had first hand experience of a good teacher,  just think of the students who are now planning to join school?" "Yes its true Rafael,  they're really unlucky on that score.  But still,  why are we so sad, heartbroken?" "Any relationship tthat's been joined with love cannot be broken,  even after years of seperation, we do have fond thoughts of them, the hurt part comes, when our mind takes over and sows the seed of fear, whispering to our intelligence,  if she goes, you would feel alone,  the person replacing her can be a militant matron, thus bringing a sense of hurt, loss and loneliness, making it a f...

"Rafael,  I really am very frightened of this life, what would happen of me?" "That is your mind saying,  a spiritual person would never fear of anything. " "Are you sure,  Rafael? " "Yes quite sure,  its because they always are in the shade of  love,  peace and happiness,  which only the soul could provide, then they have full faith in the all powerful God,  who guides their every second of their lives,  so naturally whatever the circumstance, they would accept it as it is, then where is the scope for fear? " " Nowhere naturally." "Exactly,  but if your body, your mind,  your intelligence guides you, there is only one scope in life, tension. .....tension and all the diseases attached to it. Since,  the body or the mind or the intelligence do not know, what awaits us, the next year or the next monthor the next week. " "Don't go that far Rafael,  no physical intelligence cannot predict what awaits us the n...

"But Rafael, there is a situation, that I cannot understand, we are always on the cross, one way or the other, is there no end to it?" "Yes, that's a good question, Ajay, there is a way out, sure." "That's a relief, how?" "Easy,  face it." "What does that mean Rafael?" "When a dog chases you, which is the best route out?" "Stay where you are and no running." "Yes, that's right, or else you would have to run the whole time until you tire and every time you meet a dog, naturally the fear overcomes you and you run and how long would you do that?" "Our whole life?" "Exactly, and will the problem go?" "No, that is what is happening to us, we are always crucified because, we have been running from the problem before and the fear within us is overcoming us. So its better, you come face to face with the problem and take the brunt of all humiliation, fear, hat...

"But Rafael, even though Jesus sweat blood, he had to die on the cross, then we too have to go through that, isn't it? the consequences of forgiveness, loving and caring?" "Love is an unconditional and sometimes non rewarding too and mostly it would really hurt, I remember a mother, who loved his son so much, that she used to fulfill every whim and fancy of his and along with it, she tried to give him a very education, but since she was a government employee, she used to get transfer now and then. So she decided to put her son in the boarding. But the son was very very angry. When the mother became old, he harassed her, saying, you were not there to love me, so why should I love you. Until, the son, started earning on his own, it was the mother, who spent money for his expensive day to day activities, but now, the mother has to work in her own house as servant to earn her keep. So where is love here?" "Ohhh its so sad." "That is what we say ...

"Children,  the only rule in the religion of love is,  'Love thy Neighbours as thy Self'. "Rafael, I just wanted to ask a question" "Fire away Raj." " You said the life of Jesus was role model for us, how to overcome our different life situation, which life situation which Jesus overcame touched you most, Rafael?" "Good question Mark,  the act that touched me is, 'sweating blood'. "Ouch,  that's indeed a touching situation. Its true Rafael.  But,  why did you get attracted to that specific situation? " "Once when I was young,  one of my rivals, poured ink on my home work,  I felt so angry,  that I really felt like smashing his face,  but I knew it was wrong and it would lead to more enemity. So I tried to control my fury,  by clenching my hands to fists,  grinding my teeth,  so that I don't utter a single word, which I would regret later and shut my eyes and took a deep breath,  at that time, I ...

"Rafael, is the spirit of God,  God himself? " "OK, can I ask another one to answer your question. " all nodded. "Can you name  your body parts?" "Yes Rafael,  we can." "Good,  now can you name your driving force, your thoughts, your will. Have you seen it?" all nodded in the negative. "Good,  even I too have not seen it." All smiled and nodded. "Rafael,  is it our soul?" " No, soul is our real self, but the spirit is the driving force of all human being,  For God,  He is completely soul, there is no physical body, which means, the spiritof him is so pure, that whatever, we see and don't see around was created by God 's Holy Spirit and that gives continuity is the holy spirit.  But for man, its totally a different cup of fish." "What does that mean Rafael? " "It means that because of our physical body, our spirit lost its driving force, the power of will,  all take ...

"But Rafael,  you itself told me that God Created Jesus from His very soul, then how come, God and Jesus have any difference?" "Yes there is a very big difference Monica." "But how come this difference arrived?" "God, is complete soul, full of love. But Jesus along with the God soul has the physical body of human beings, which pulls him away from being with God or like God." "Ooooh that means, its like evil, the devil which takes us away from God, isn't it Rafael?" "Yes, exactly, both good and evil are within us children and what you choose to do is what comes out of us." All nodded. "But Rafael, there is one thing I do not understand, the teachers or the priests, who leads the people to christianity does wrong, then how will we feel to follow them?" "Never ever judge others by their action because, as I told you, when we are covered with the physical human body you make lots and loads of mist...

"Rafael, you explained in great detail about genuine religion, in which religion do you believe, if you do not mind me asking?" "Not at all, but you should know, its my belief OK and don't misunderstand, that I am saying for others, its from my experience and not one fine day experience." All nodded. "Religion should be followed with heart and if that is the case, then, the religion should have the qualities to touch deep inside, which  means, it should be heart touching, a religion of love and for me, I believe in Christianity. I blieve in Jesus Christ. Here I am saying my belief, not anybody else's OK? " All nodded. "What made it so special for you? Why do you believe? or what made you believe in Jesus Christ?" Rafael shrugged. "Its simple children, from first to last of the Bible, the scriptures of Christians its about love,  God's unconditional love, the proof of the creation from nothing is the first incident and fr...

"Rafael, there is one issue, I cannot understand." "What is it Ajay?" "Sorry, don't misunderstand, but you have been speaking of church, mosque and temple to help us reach our destination, but we all believe there is only one God, then there should be only one religion to reach the goal, so which is it, Rafael?" "So now you started thinking, good. All religions are true, they lead us to one goal, but whatever the religion, there is one thing, you should know, that decides the genuineness of a religion." "Really, what is it Rafael?" " Religion which teaches the importance of love, lives love, sacrifice out of love and breathes love, where hatred is conquered by love, where the goal to reach is achieved only through love. Then that religion is a true religion." "Are you so sure Rafael? How do you know, this is the right religion?" "because, the religion of the soul is love. So if you have to rea...

"Rafael,  if we can make miracles happen from our soul,  then,  what is the necessity of going to church or temple or mosque to pray?" "Good question Mathew,  man has been so immersed in needs and tensions, that he has forgotten his identity thereby bringing him misery the whole life." "Ohhhh that's terrible,  but then what role does a place of worship has in our life,  Rafael? " "Believe me, it has a very big role than you can imagine." "Really,  then don't put us in suspense because I for one am really lazy to go to church, but if you say that it has a very big role,  then I would surely change my priorities,  Rafael. " "Good Monica,  Now what is water to our body? " "Its life,  Rafael,  we cannot live without it." "Exactly,  and what about,  air, can we live without it? " "You might be kidding,  right? " "No, frankly asking,  so that I can explain to you." ...

"Rafael,  what do you mean by silence?  Is it not talking,  like silence in class, in library? " "Good question Ajay, silence is not talking,  there is a room inside you, where your soul resides, the real you is inside that room. " "Wow, really?  Its unimaginable. But what has this room got to do with silence,  Rafael?" "The real you grows in silence and not in noise. You can sit in a noisy room and talk over the din, but still,  you can be silent and that is what we need." "But now that's confusing, how do we make our room inside us silent, rafael?" "To be silent,  we will have to clear our thoughts. When thoughts come, stop it, don't allow to come inside the room of your soul." "But Rafael,  thoughts are what make us, just imagine,  we without thoughts?" "Yes, its true, but that is what causes the noise inside you, for example, you saw a very good pen with your friend and you want to hav...

"Rafael,  I have a doubt,  how would we know, that our soul is directing us? Actually,  its so weird, because,  we have not seen a soul and it is something very difficult to imagine too. Like we are dealing with nothingness. So could you please explain in detail?" "Good question,  Mathew.  The first thing you should learn is to be silent,  clear your mind of all thoughts. In short, you should have nothing to  be worried or plans to fulfill,  just live, whatever comes your way, accept it, that is when we know,  that our soul is directing us and not our physical person of Rafael or Mark or Raj, or Ajay,  or Monica or Rebecca or whoever you are. And don't waste time, thinking that you are capable of doing it smartly,  you would surely end up in the gutter." All nodded. "Then one more thing, you would have seek the help of a bigger power  to guide you through this situation of bringing out the soul to work for you." All n...

"Rafael,   I have still a doubt." "O.k.,  what is it Ajay? " "You were speaking of our enemies, as route pointers in the maze of life. But our enemies did a wrong to us, not right, so how can we justify their action? And help us in gettimg us to the destination, Rafael? " "Hmmmm good question,  I'll say about a real life incident." All nodded. "There is an incident in the Bible,  where Judas betraying Jesus." "Yes Rafael,  I really hate that part." All nodded. "Hmmmm it's natural. Do you know,  why Jesus came to this world? " "To save mankind. " "Exactly,  for that Jesus had to remove His physical body to unite with God soul.  No one in hos right sense would do that, even the kings too were afraid,  but Judas lit the first fire and the chain reaction started,  you know the rest, Jesus died, a very humiliating death but that ends when we throw the body in the tomb or cremated....

"Rafael, When we have such a drastic experience in life,  how Will we be able to forgive and forget such an experience and the people who were the cause of such experience? I do not know whether I'd be able to forgive anybody who were the cause of my misery. " "Yes Monica,  its difficult,  but imagine you are in a maze will you be able to get out easily? "No Rafael,  its not easy." "Yes its true, but if we have pointers to direct us, then how would you feel children? " "Relieved." "Yes relief, and in real life, the people who hurt you, are the pointers." "Ohhhh!  I really cannot believe it, if they're the pointers,  then we should really thank them for showing our way, isn't it Rafael? " "Yes, we should love them and thank them for the service rendered." "But if they have done with, ill feeling towards us?" "Never think bad of others,  Rebecca because people are in g...

"So Rafael, you promised, a story regarding giving full reign of our life to our soul." All nodded,  Rafael smiled and nodded. "Yes Ajay,  I remember, ok. Here we go, It's a story of a poor boy. He was very courageous and never feared failure.  He had only his father and no one else. His father passed away leaving behind a small piece of land and a small hut. Since he was small, the village elders decided to select a family who can be his guardian, until he comes of age. The village head was a very shrewd man, he voluntered himself to be the guardian of the boy. The boy shifted his residence and lived in the home of his guardian." "Was it easy for the boy,  Rafael? " "No it was not easy, but he didn't complain. He worked very hard during day time and at night, he would listen to the singing of the village head man's daughter, who was his age. Before long, he knew he wanted to learn music." "Oh! That's lovely. So was ...

"Rafael,  you told to give full reign to the soul and the soul will direct you out of this unending situation. " Rafael nodded.  "But why cannot we direct our own life,  we have intelligence, knowledge and we have elders to help us when we are in the wrong." All nodded. "Hmmmm,  that is a good thought Mark, can I ask a question? " " Sure no problem." "Till how many years can you see your future children? " "Are you kidding,  Rafael,? We do not know what is going to happen the next moment,  then how are we going to predict our future? " "You are right, Raj, even I too am in the same situation,  so no problem, but our soul knows till the very end." "Wow really?  That's cool isn't it Rafael? " All nodded. Rafael smiled. "Yes it's cool, don't you guys want to know,  how the soul knows our future? " "Yes Rafael,  that would be great. " "Our soul is a dr...

"Hey Rafael,  today the moon didn't set in the morning. " "Don't talk silly Mathew,  it's not the moon but the Sun is what sets in the West,  isn't it Rafael? " "Hmmmm Rebecca,  I"ll have to differ on that." "Ooh sorry, I thought......" "At your age, even I too thought the same, but if you look at the working of the Sun, the Moon and the Earth,  actually, is it setting anywhere, like in the sea or the ocean or behind mountains?" "No, they are revolving and rotating." "Exactly,  Rebecca,  and what about the Sun?" "Its the source of energy, its not moving." "Yes, you are right,  now what sets? " "Nothing,  in fact, due to this revolution and rotation, there are lots of changes  happening in the Earth and the moon." "Yes Mark, we get day and night,  then the seasons,  months and years are all due to this, its a long travel, with no end." ...

"Rafael,  what are the things which we should not do in life?" "Hmmmm there are loads of things, which you should not do.  We'll make it six?" All nodded. "That would be helpful, thank you Rafael." "Good the six things are:- 1  Never ever speak untruth. If they come to know the truth, you'd lose your credibility. No one would ever believe you. 2 Never expect everybody to love you and accept you. Its not because of their fault, its because of our fault, our shortcomings hinders them to love us. So try to find your fault , accept it and overcome it. 3 Its not always necessary to say yes, when someone asks help, if you say yes, do it. But if you think, that you would not be able to do it, then be courageous to say no. 4 Try not to be a nuisance to others by your words and actions, or else before long, you will not have any friends, to be frank, they would run, when they see you. So beware. 5 Never waste anything, there are lots o...

"Rafael,  you spoke about some qualities, we'll have to develop from very young, one is never betray your friends. "All nodded.  what are the rest?" "Hmmm... good question Rebecca,  I'll put it directly point by point, then we'll discuss it later,  is it O.K?" "Yes Rafael. " "Good, so here we start. ● Be truthful :- "If you ask, why it is so important, then there is only one answer,  if you havea habit of lying, then quit Iit, or else no one would believe you. Faith os the foundation of all relationship." All nodded. ● Obey elders:- They were once our age, at that time, what we are thinking now, has already been done by them and they have already borne the consequences. If its good, then they would not interfere or else, bear in mind, they would not sit still, until we obey them or else, we would face the same consequences. At that time, they would surely say, 'I told you' So why waste on experimenting exp...

"Rafael,  today something special happened." "What is it Monica? " "My parents bought me several new dresses. Do you know, ita been two years since I have got a new dress." "Why, didn't they have any money?" "No guys, I had a veey heart breaking experience two years back. Two new students came to my class. They were from different homes, their names were Leela and Laila. They were not normal students, they learned and during their free time, they helped in the kitchen and did all odd jobs  of the convent." "So they were always there. In our school we have to wear colour dress on Friday.  We always loved that day." All nodded and smiled. "So usually in the girls circle  we notice one another's dress. The first friday all went well, everyone wore stylish dresses, Leela and Laila wore according to their capacity.  The next Friday, all wore another set of dresses." "Naturally." All nodded...

"Rafael,  yesterday you spoke about never wish for death.  But some people have already committed suicide, what will happen to them?" "Hmmmm.... that' a good question. But a very sad issue too." All nodded. "Yesterday I met a father whose son committed suicide last year." "Ohhhh that's terrible. Do you know why he killed himself?" "He loved a girl, but his father declined to accept her into the family and the very night, he roped himself on the fan and was successful in dangling himself dead in his own bedroom able to make the statement loud and clear but the sad part  is, the said girl didn't wait to grieve." "Ohhhh what a loss." "Hmmmm true, loss for the boy and his family. But the consequences of this action has to be faced mostly by the boy." "But Rafael,  the boy is already dead, then how is he going to bear the consequences?" "There is no death for the soul of a human b...