Meena Mangalathil:

Today I was searching for a rented house, the broker took me several houses, big small, spacious, congested, but one thing that stuck me was, the time to decide, these guys wanted to know, then and there itself, whether  I was willing to take the house, but unfortunately, I really hated to say it on his face, that I didn't like it. But you might think, why I didn't like it. It was simple Most of them were dirty. In some places, I didn't even feel like getting in, then I knew, how much big a role cleanliness plays in our life. Yes its true, you might think foolish. For example, after bath, how do you feel? Refreshed right? And believe it, the people near you too feels your freshness, they feel like being with you. But on the other hand, if you have not taken bath for two days, how would you feel? I know you won't feel anything because you have the guts to stay without bath for two daysbut for others you are a stinker and not only that, they would run away

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

"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 of

"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, 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 fe

"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,  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 nodded. "So first thing

"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

Chapter 40 “So Rafael, how did Isabella make a cloth factory?” “She asked Sanjo and Juan’s help for it. They were experts in the tinkering and knick knacks and as errand boys too. They searched for the right person who knew the know how of making a cloth machine. Then they brought the materials to make the machine and from there step by step, they achieved a building to start a factory and the machine was set and weavers were recruited, along with that tailors and there were lots of women work force in that factory, so giving employment for the wives of the men who work in construction and fields.” “What about hospitals, Rafael?” “Yes naturally, but with just hospital and without any facility was very difficult. They had already brought the resources to keep them going for 6 months, by then Isabella knew, it was not feasible to always rely on the mainland for everything. So one by one, they set up their own units in the island, as they had enough and more riches

Chapter 39 “Rafael, what happened to Alfonso?” “Well after marriage, Isabella accompanied her husband, Alfonso to the island. At first it was not very easy. She was used to so much luxury, that she missed a lot of things, which she knew was not easy to come by because each and everything had to be brought from the mainland and it took time. So she decided to make use of her little skills as well as the skills of the crew and the work force to get it done,” “What was it that brought out her skills?” “Materials, for clothes, for hospital, for everything. Since there were lots of things which needed cloth, Isabella decided to starting a weaving mill.” “But Rafael, how can that be possible?” “First we should know, that anything and everything is possible, if we put our mind into it.” All nodded. “ You know when we decide we make a decision, what is the first thought that comes to mind?” “Can we do it.” “Exactly, the first thing that comes to mind

Chapter 34 “Rafael so what happened to the island? Was it of any use? They star ted a township, that was what you told. But how could that be possible without people?” “Alfonso advertised in the local newspapers and by word of mouth and especially Dr. Martin who recommended many a people to the island.  Alfonso used all his resources and his ships to bring the work force, necessary materials  to the island and gave them good wages.” “I feel that they might be like they were in the moon, isn’t it Rafael? Only the work force and no neighbours.” “Hmm. They were away from home for sure  and their life was far luxurious than they could imagine. They were truthful and dedicated too. They had full faith in Alfonso and all the crew members too joined forces as it was a joint venture.” “Oh!!!!!!!!! That’ really good isn’t it Rafael?” “Yes, its always good to be together than separated.” “When we look at nature look at the trees, its not a single leaf or a single flower o

    Chapter - 30 "Hai Rafael, Now what happened to the island Alfonso bought? Did they really buy an island?" "No Ajay, they didn't buy an island. It was lwss inhabited area , where they were not known. So Alfonso wanted to start afresh, hi s life, where no one judges him for his past. So he bought a small piece of land and then the other inhabitants, wanted to take off from their residence to move out of that island. So they requested him to buy their land too. Thus, he got a substantial amount of the island, literally owning an island." "What did he do with that place Rafael?" "Well he planned to build a small township. He contacted Dr. Martin about it and h e was too eager to help Alfonso." "But Rafael, can we get an island, just like that?" "We can get anything we want, if we wish for it or if the wish had been there for some time. The wishes are just a vibrations coming from the mind , the physical bo