theworldofstark

[theworldofstark]

Question everything, regardless of your beliefs. Descartes once removed all his beliefs and started from scratch and so can we. A life, lived without introspection isn't worth living! 

[theworldofstark]

When you start seeing your worth, you’ll find it harder to stay around people who don’t; you’ll find it easy to forget people who neglected you; 

Stay Safe  ♥

[theworldofstark]

Why are we alive? Pt-2

In the last article, I had posted a question. What unites us all? the rich, the poor, the white, black and brown alike. 

Is there even a thing like it? Something all of us experience regardless of anything anyone could possess. The simple way to put it is via a comparison. 

No man is created equal. The notion that everyone must have equal opportunities is fundamentally flawed as we all have different sets of obstacles to overcome, right from our birth. In the same way, all our lives travel in separate paths, only to intercept at the endpoint. Death.

Now we finally have a reference point to establish a structure within chaos. So from here, we have two main branches; one to think that we rose just to fall or to do whatever that is that we are destined to do until we fall.

In my opinion, we do exist simply because we exist; we exist because our thoughts exist; our thoughts exist because there is a reality to be pondered over; but can we really sense the reality around us in a way that is true? Our senses frequently try to deceive us; for example, when we play out on a bright, sunny day and return to a room, we falsely see that the room is darker than actual.

Let’s see what Buddhism says about reality and its relation with the quest of mind.

“ Reality is a vast and impermanent illusion, comprised of endless distractions and suffering. The quest of the mind is to cultivate a state of awareness, allowing the illusion to be seen for what it is. Then the enlightened mind can withdraw from the physical realm and enter a state of pure bliss ”

These words tell us that reality is an illusion that entraps our consciousness, limiting our sensory apprehension and therefore enslaving us. Only by understanding that nothing is what it is, that we can consciously liberate ourselves and focus on the existential axiom that is “The purpose of existence is the constant search for the purpose of existence, by trying to reveal what underlies the reality that enslaves our minds”

Being kind or rude, happy or unhappy, rational or insane, responsible or carefree, and so on are the choices we make by which we lead our lives to search for the goals that constitute the basis of reality. Those choices define the humaneness in us, but the ultimate glory of bliss is to the ones who find the answer to their own existence.

Disclaimer: These are my own opinions and don’t have to be taken as the ultimate postulates.

[theworldofstark]

Why are we alive?

At some point in time, all our minds would’ve brushed with this existential query.

Is it to pray, lead a pure life, or just be happy? Why should we be devoted to God? (or a God, to fellow polytheists) Why does the idea of begging to someone for something sound terrible while begging to Some ’One’ for something doesn't? Or was life just an accident in the cosmos of nothingness? If we think about it, existing without being happy is closer to a state of existence in hell, while being happy no matter what is thrown at you, is heaven like. 

So is it being happy, the reason to be alive? But happiness is just a state of mind, isn't it? We don’t have to work or strive towards it; if we realize our minds, we become happy. Just as easily as it sounds. So can our existence be as simple as that?  

Sounds like a lot of questions doesn’t it?

 Let’s just deviate from our thought process and take an imaginative tour... Once upon a time, in a spacetime far far away the bang began; just after a second, one of the first particles produced, the Neutrinos were about to get annihilated. If it had happened, Life wouldn't have even had a chance to blossom as neutrinos are important in CNO cycle and Proton-Proton Chain reaction that takes place in stars like sun. Luckily anti-leptons were taken down by leptons that epoch. 

See? right from the instant the universe began, zillions of processes have fallen right into place for us to be here and for us to be doing what we’re doing. Thus it can be considered too much of an overkill for us to exist for nothing or naive things as to just find happiness. 

So now that we’ve eliminated most obvious ones, we’ll play with some more philosophy; Let’s just take a moment to think of the one common thing that happens to all; the rich, the poor, the white, black and brown alike. We all become divided when it comes to the opposite of that something I refer to here, whereas this unites us all. What is it?  

Think...the answer will be in the next post;

[theworldofstark]

Corona Virus Math: For the Cynics and Sceptics

Feel free to skim: https://github.com/RSounder/PythonForFun/blob/master/SIR_Model.ipynb

In the next post we’ll explore on the fact why simple acts like washing our hands can safe-gaurd us against our deadliest foes. Stay Safe! 

[theworldofstark]

Words of Wisdom

After starting to work at Robert Bosch Engineering, I had to find new accommodations near the company to make life a bit easier for myself. The result was that I got to meet my parents less often. When I came back home after a long 15 day period, I felt a bit distant from my home and parents.

There was a lot of stuff going on in my life as I am preparing to give my Graduate Record Examinations, trying to publish another thesis, all together with the work given to me at Bosch. I felt a massive void in my life and opened up to my dad the night I was about to leave home again. Here's a few words of wisdom from him that I thought would fit to all people:

1) Dad, I feel so empty. I don't think that the work I do in my job does justice to my education, my ambition, my competence or even to my company....

Dad: Son, there's a right time for everything. Sounder can't imagine to be Sundar Pichai at the very beginning. This is your learning time. You're a junior at a company and this is the time for you to explore and learn the tricks of the trade and all the work that goes on in and around your department. Develop rapport with your seniors, help them whenever possible. Never try to take credit for help that you do to anyone. It just helps you gain experience. When the time comes, when an opportunity arises, you will be more competent than anyone else in your department and from then, you'll only continue to grow. Never stop learning and developing skills towards your end ambition too. Now your aim must be to know the inside outs of your work. That's all...

2) I feel depressed often dad. I can't feel happy at all. I'm having bad intentions to harm myself. I'm worried about my future and my inability to effectively mould it.

Dad: What is happiness son? Happiness comes from within you; when you help a poor kid to eat a meal, you see a smile on their face, that's happiness. When you pet a dog and it wags it's tail and recognizes you everytime on street, that's happiness. When you help a friend/stranger in their time of need, and the person later recalls/thanks you for it, that's extreme happiness for you.

If you ever feel like hurting yourself, try unleasing your anger, sorrow on some sport. Play like you're there to never give up. It'll ease your mind and tire your body. Sleep well. You'll be alright.

Be kind to everything and everyone and you'll find happiness all around you.

3) A full life lies ahead right? What if I fail? I'm fearful dad...

Dad: Fear is a good thing son. It helps you plan not to fail. And even if you do, if helps you have backup plans so that your life isn't deeply impacted. When a man plans ahead, has backup plans and does his work, he is unlikely to fail at the first place. Its because he has nothing to be fearful of. That's how crazy life is!

There's a reason why Dads' are boys' heros! My dad; My hero 😊

[theworldofstark]

All it takes is just a smile!

The world that we live in is connected with each individual in it, someway or the other. Like flavors that infuse with each other while cooking, the character and charisma of people in our lives blend together to influence our mood. Right from the person that randomly smiled at you on the street to the un-replied text to your crush; everything a(e)ffects us. 

By showing kindness and love to each other, we don’t just improve their days, but ours too!

There’s a beautiful book titled, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck’ by David J. Pollay.

Long ago, while riding in a taxi in New York, the author Pollay narrowly escaped a fatal car crash. The driver who almost caused the accident started yelling at the cab driver, who remarkably just smiled, waved, and wished him well. Pollay asked the taxi driver, how he could remain so calm, and his response sparked the defining principle of The Law of the Garbage Truck: Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment, looking for places to dump their filth; and if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. So, when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally . . . move on. Here’s a few pointers:

Avoid getting dumped on by rude, thoughtless, and angry people

Stop reliving the negative in your past, and fearing the future

Focus on what you can control, not the negative things you can’t

Gain the courage to enjoy every day, do what you love, and make a difference

Take control of your life; don’t let other people’s bad behavior hold you back. Have a big, bright smile and never let anyone turn it upside down. Smile is contagious! I used to blush for hours together at college if I see my crush smile at me!! 

If anyone wants to dump their garbage at you, just smile at them to refuse. By refusing to let others dump their “garbage” (negativity, anger, resentment) on us and letting it “pass by” instead, we become happier and more successful, both personally and professionally. And when we stop dumping garbage on others, we improve our relationships, strengthen our businesses, and bring our communities together. All it takes is just a smile!

Live Life Loud 😊 You’re going to be happy & successful; I believe in you!!

[theworldofstark]

People change. Period.

This update will be on the bunch of thoughts I accumulated during this difficult phase of transition at the end of my college days.

Everything was smooth; we promised eachother to be in touch. Everyone were positive; we had WhatsApp, instagram, facebook...all the things that were designed to connect us together.

After convocation, I don't know if thanos snapped...but tragedy definitely did. People disappeared, WhatsApp groups faded away to oblivion, "forever" people became memories that were seemingly impossible to erase off our heads.

They say that there are several steps in depression; denial, frustration, accusation, sadness, acceptance, etc.

It's supposed to be linear...but for me, it went round and round but I couldn't get to the acceptance point that people are gone; they left you; "But no man, we were good friends, I thought we're gonna last forever, I don't deserve this!!", says my heart everytime I urge it to understand that there's nothing more to hang onto.

My heart tries to hang by the grass of hope off a cliff, but there isn't any. Thus it makes a fall but still denies that it's even falling to it's own demise.

I genuinely thought it takes two people to make or break a relationship/friendship. Even now I hope it's true; but it simply isn't. It just takes one person's ego, stubborness, fear or coldness to end it. It just takes one person. You might not get the closure you deserved, you might not even be acknowledged as a living person, but you definitely will be ignored.

Everytime places change, people change. Everytime people change, hearts break. Everytime hearts break, people become more of a stone, than a person.

That's sadly, a life lesson...the first one in the real world!

People change. Period.

[theworldofstark]

What was intended to be a quick getaway for me, ended up becoming an elaborate bonding time for these two 😂 💜 #kerala #keralatourism #allepy #allepybackwaters #boat #ride #india #indiatourism #backwaters #travelphotography #travel #traveling #travelers #mom #dad #family #photography #photo #photooftheday (at Punnamada Lake Alappuzha) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxuHQQ5BBi0/?igshid=1mqi1yw2vk1qk

[theworldofstark]

That’s MCU for you!

    Think about a man who lost everything; from his trusty weapon, to his lifelong home; to the people he swore and failed to protect; to every-last one of his family members; he has nothing left; but to save the rest of the universe from a similar fate. And when he finally gets that chance, he succumbs to his desire for vengeance and vanity above his desire to save the universe (By not going for the head). That’s Thor for you.

    Think about a child who gives up a magical night with his friends and the girl of his dreams, because he knows that there is something he can do, to make a difference. And that with great power, comes great responsibility! Think about the child, alone and trapped with no one to save him, finding the strength, the courage and the will within himself to break-free and continue to fight for no other reason that it being the right thing to do so. That’s Spidey for you.  

    Think about a man forced to live in a country that stigmatizes his existence, despite being the prince of a utopia he is never allowed to return to. Think about his journey to extract vengeance over this utopia, for taking his father away and abandoning him. Think about the desire for revenge consuming him, warping him into a blood thirsty monster with no concern for anyone, just for his desire to see an impressive world torn down. Once his cause is thwarted, he has nothing left to live for; the man who beat him, the same man who stopped another blood thirsty monster from committing suicide previously, this time grants his opponent’s wish and lets him die in peace. That’s Killmonger for you.

    Think about a pessimist, who continues to fight no matter how hopeless he thinks things look; who turned from a man driven by a selfishness and egotism to an emotionally scarred mess who feels as if the burden of protecting the world rests solely on his shoulders, to a guilt-stricken broken-down guy who tries to reverse his legacy; and when his worst fear of everyone around him dies (including his son-like Peter Parker) tries to be selfish again but is marred by the very idea of him being able to do the wrong thing to his family and the right thing to the universe. This simple character of a man who tries to live his life, lets his go to get back the lives of trillions. That’s a Stark for you.

    Think about an optimist, fighting for everything that’s good and just, in a simpler time, laying down his life to save his country; waking up to see everyone he knows is either dead or awaiting to be. Losing his trust in the organizations that he dedicated his life for so long and learning that the only way to do so is to take matters into his own hands. Think about that skinny kid from Brooklyn, the same kid who was told he would never make for a good soldier, going toe to toe with the most powerful being in the entire universe. That’s ‘Cap’ for you.

    These characters mean so much to so many people because we’ve watched them grow over the course of a 11 year journey with a remarkable level of consistency. The characters are adapted from plenty of comic books for sure, but overall, it’s a marvelous serialized story telling that allows for these goofy comic book characters to strike a chord with millions of people around the globe; people who have never picked up a comic book before; people like me; That’s MCU for you…

I’m happy that I lived the 11 years through the journey of the MCU, just like the characters, undergoing personal developments myself, trying to be the better me. The saga might have ended, but he legacy will continue, in the MCU and within myself. 

[theworldofstark]

உன் பின் ஆயிரம் பேர் இருக்கின்றனர் என்ற தைரியம் உனக்கு இருந்தால், உன்னால் ஒரு போரில் தான் வெல்ல இயலும்; அதே ஆயிரம் பேருக்கு, நீ முன் இருக்கிறாய் என்ற தைரியம் இருந்தால்...உலகையே வெல்லலாம்!

K.G.F

[theworldofstark]

We reap what we sow; we gain what we give...

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill "If you always give, you will always have." - Chinese proverb "The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own." - Lao Tzu     These quotes say it all. The best way to feel motivated, energized, and feel a greater sense of purpose in life is to give to and help others. A simple gift of generosity has the power to greatly impact another's life. True joy and happiness comes from giving and keeping your surrounding happy, not from having social status, success, money, a nice home, etc.

    One tries to satisfy his ego by placing himself above others in-terms of money, success, etc; but the real satisfaction comes from the joy of those around you. 

[theworldofstark]

When does the fun in life begin?

I’d share with you guys, two recent incidents of mine...

Incident-1:    Project-காக வேல பாத்துட்டு, college-ல இருந்து night late-அ வீட்டுக்கு போய்ட்டு இருந்தேன். Townhall பக்கத்துல வரும்போது தீடீருன்னு ஒரு thought. ஒரு நல்ல Burger சாப்பிட்டு ரொம்ப நாள் ஆயிடுச்சே! பக்கத்துல Priya Juice and Snack-ல super-அ இறக்கும்னு கேள்வி பற்றுக்கேன், சாப்பிட்டு தான் பாப்போமேனு வேண்டிய அந்த பக்கமா விட்டேன். இடம் பக்கத்துல வர வர வேற ஒரு thought. "அடடா...இன்னிக்கு சிவ பிரதோஷம் ஆச்சே, நான் கோவிலுக்கு போனா, அம்மா ரொம்ப சந்தோச படுவாங்க"-னு தோணுச்சு. பக்கத்துல இருந்த, 'சங்கமேஸ்வரர்' கோவிலுக்கு போகலாம்னு முடிவெடுத்து போனேன். நான் reach-ஆனா நேரம், சப்பரத்துல சிவன் வெளிய போயிட்டாரு 😅 இருந்தாலும், தரிசனம் முடிச்சிட்டு வெளிய வந்தா...

The scenes around me:    Shivan dances on the சப்பரம் in front of me. I looked and prayed to him for a minute. After that I saw the people around me. I saw the hopes, happiness and peace in their eyes. When the pandits sang one of the Shiv songs (Tandav-stotra), I sang along involuntarily. People patted me on my shoulders in joy as the priests smiled at me. I was happy inside. I decided to step off from the procession into the temple's backyard. After some more prayers to some more Gods, it was time to go...go to that exciting burger across the street... While I was about to exit the temple, some பாட்டி's and தாத்தா's invited me get prasadham. அங்க போனா... பிரசாதம்-னு சொல்லி, கைல இலையை கொடுத்து, சூடா (ரொம்ப...ரொம்ப) தயிர் சாதம், உலந்த வடை, கேசரி, சுண்டல், அப்ரோம் ஒரு tumbler பால் கொடுத்து, உக்காருடா தம்பினு ஒரு uncle-aunty army சொல்ல...வேற வழியில்லாம, அங்க already உகாந்திருந்த குட்டி boys பக்கத்துல உக்காந்தேன். ஒரு நிமிஷம், எல்லா சத்தமும் என் காதுல கேக்காம, சூடு என் கைல தெரியாம, சுத்தி பாத்தேன். அவ்ளோ அன்போட, போற வர எல்லாரையும் கூப்பிட்டு, சாப்பிட அன்பினை, தாத்தா-பாட்டி army; சி��ிச்சு சிரிச்சு கத பேசீட்டே நெறய பரிமார்ற uncle-aunty army... எனக்கு தெரியாமலே, சிரிச்சேன். தயிர் சாதம் and கேசரி...what a weird combination. No one in their right minds would want to eat curd rice with something sweet. But I did... and it tasted absolutely delightful. My brain was confused. But..how? Something's not right-னு தோணுச்சு. That's when I remembered, everything around you is beautiful (not just seems, is), when we are delighted at heart. It was not one single family... it was a group of 5 families who were complete strangers, who came together, prepared food for about 300 people, poured kindness and fed strangers on an auspicious day. They had made our days a special one. I wanted to eat a burger previously. Now i just laughed at myself to have thought that a simple burger would've satisfied me.

    I realized two things that day; kindness and joy are contagious; when would someone be satisfied and content? Not by eating or doing what he likes, but by joy of seeing his surrounding happy ... After all man is a 'social' animal right?

Incident-2:    It was TamilNadu election night. Mom was stuck at work and I was told she'd return the next day morning. அம்மா வீட்டுல இல்லனா, மொதல்ல மனசுக்கு வர்றது, "சோறு!". அப்பா, "வா அன்னபூர்ணா போய் சாப்பிட்டு வரலாம்"-னு கூப்பிட, நான் life பத்தி feel பண்ணி ஒரு dialogue (நம்ம வீட்ல, TV முன்னாடி, புடிச்ச temperature AC-ல வெச்சுட்டு ஒரே sofa ல பக்கத்துல பக்கத்துல உக்காந்துட்டு சாப்டா... and stuff like that 😂) பேச, சரி order பன்னு னு சொன்னாரு. Swiggy-ல delivery பாத்தா, 1 hour estimated time-னு இருந்துச்சு. சேரி நாமளே போய் வாங்கீட்டு வரலாம்னு (just 4 kms to and fro) கிளம்பினேன். Right after i cross my area, rain starts pouring down on me. சீக்கிரம் போய்ட்டா பிரச்னை இல்லன்னு நானும் போனேன். அன்னைக்குனு பாத்து கோயம்பத்தூர்ல ரொம்ப நாள் கழிச்சு, ஜோ-னு மழை. Road-ல ஒரு வண்டி இல்ல. எங்கேயும் ஒதுங்க இடம் இல்ல. Only way was forward-னு போனேன்.

The scenes around me:    40kmph on Activa...in between a literal thunderstorm...on the road that sidelines a huge lake....a lake soo filled with water that it was spilling out on the road...the strong winds trying to push me into the lake 🤣... for an instance, i looked up at the sky...it was pitch black... And out of nowhere, a long lightning streaks out, making the whole sky white! For a moment, I just stopped the bike and looked around... It was just me and mother nature. I took my helmet off and was greeted with a sizzle onto my spine. I stepped off the bike onto the side of the road and sat by the lake....peering into it...I tried to comprehend what was happening around me...but what was happening inside me was soo much that I screamed at the top of my voice and started laughing like a maniac... Like an icing on the cake, when I was returning home...inside our village, என் அத்தை பொண்ணு was standing in the middle of the street, under an umbrella and was jumping and dancing with two kiddos in rain... another sight to put a smile on my face!  😅

   That night I learnt another thing... Whatever happens, wherever you are, take a moment to step aside, stop and look around you. Problems can be conquered, moments can be lived & remembered, sadness can be quenched, happiness can be shared and most importantly, peace can be achieved at heart. Excitement and happiness are achieved when we take detours from our regular lives.

Pic: Same lake, on a different day...

[theworldofstark]

Life’s purpose?

A short metaphorical story on life’s true purpose and focusing on the stuff that really matters... Extracted and changed by Sounder from the book, "The Maggid Speaks" by R.P Krohn.

    A broke man named Ragav once lived on the streets of Madurai. He came across an old wise man who shared with him the story of the lost land of Kumari. “In Kumari”, the wise man exclaimed, “there are said to be pearls just lying around on the beaches and diamonds on the streets. There are so-many there, that the locals don’t even care to pick them all up!”; the wise old man added, “Had I not been old, I would’ve set sail to the land of treasures myself, for I know a secret boat that makes trips to that place”

    Ragav, on hearing this, urged the old man to give him the know-hows of it, so he could go and bring them both pearls and diamonds to make them rich. The old man accepted and directed him accordingly.

    It was a long, risky and tiresome voyage at sea. Nearly a year after setting sail, Ragav finally reached the lost land of Treasures, Kumari. “The old man was right! There are diamonds that lie as mere rocks on the streets and pearls scattered along the beaches! I’m rich…I’m rich!!”, exclaimed the jubilant Ragav.

    He dropped his bags and quickly began to gather whatever he could get his hands on, stuffing them into his pocket. The people who saw him laughed at him. "What's your rush? The boat is not returning here for a whole year!" Ragav thought to himself, "Hey, they're right. Besides there's so many diamonds here, there's enough for everyone."

    The next day he began to pick up diamonds and noticed that no one else was doing it. In fact, they laughed at him, and he began to feel like a fool. He asked his neighbour, “Why are they laughing at me? Aren’t they gonna pick up some diamonds themselves?”. The neighbour replied, “No mate, we don’t care about diamonds here. It’s cheap stuff lying around everywhere…”

"If diamonds aren't important here, tell me -- what is?", enquired Ragav, curious to know.

    "Slime, my friend. That's where it's at. We have invented a number of different ways to use it. But it's so hard to get that stuff here, anyone who can produce it is bound to become rich."

    Ragav immediately began to work hard at producing and selling slime. He became so immersed that he eventually forgot why he had come to the island in the first place. He would ignore the diamonds in the street like everyone else, and over time amassed a great supply of slime, receiving a lot of honour from the islanders.

    Months passed and news came to the island that the boat was coming to pick up all the foreigners in two weeks. Ragav was too caught up in producing slime to refocus his thoughts. "What a successful year! Time to pack up my slime and take them home!"

    As he was boarding the boat, he suddenly remembered that the whole reason for coming to Kumari was for diamonds and pearls, not slime! It was too late now, and as he scooped up a few diamonds and pearls, he thought to himself that all the slime would make him rich at home.

    After a few weeks on the boat, all the slime began to rot and stink up the entire ship. There was no choice but to throw it all overboard. He landed back home and went to meet the old man. Ragav showed him the chunks and pieces that he hastily collected at the last moment. The old man was pleased as he spoke, “It’s enough to keep us content for several years!”, while Ragav gloomily regretted, “Well, only if I had focused on what really was important…”

    We all come into this world to pick diamonds like happiness, love, for experiences and adventures and whatever that gives us peace. But we all fall into the trap of thinking that money can be traded for anything. We chase the dumb things that life has to offer and at the verge of our death, we dream of what all could've been done, only if we had got to know, what really is important in life? 

It’s up to us to find out...

[theworldofstark]

A journey of a thousand miles, starts with a single step... That single step starts with the humble hope in heart 💓 Road en route to Munnar, Kerala (at Munnar Hill Station) https://www.instagram.com/the_world_of_stark/p/BvDWowaARf9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jjiak5poln8o

[theworldofstark]

Beauty of Coimbatore 💜

[theworldofstark]

You are a diamond!

Left lonely? Tired of being ignored? Are the “so called” friends, keep getting away?

Remember, that you are a diamond!

Cheap things shall have a lot of buyers, but the precious ones are sought by only the worthy, those who can truly afford it. The diamond in you deserves those who deserve it; With cheap people, even a diamond would be confused with polished glass. Wait for the worthy; Justify the value of your friendship to those who truly deserve it.