Monthly Archives: April 2011
Why so Tao?
Let me get the basics out of the way. Like for instance, why this name for my blog? Blogging pros say that it is important to name a blog such that it is “ISM” – Informative, Short and Memorable. I don’t know about the other two, but I do know it does not meet the standards of “S”.
The Tao Concept of Yin and Yang
So, what’s so zen about yin and yang? If you are interested, I found a fabulous post about these concepts that really laid it out in plain and simple English. But, if you are too lazy to make yourself go there, here is the short and sweet version:
Yin and Yang are essentially the nature of change, balanced as two halves of a whole.
Just pause and think about that for awhile. That’s profound. It says that if you don’t taste the bad, you won’t feel the good. That long and short define each other. Night and day, male and female, high and low and the list goes on.
But, let me go back to that first definition:
The nature of change
balanced
As two halves
Of a whole.
All of that, to me, describes the essence of India today. And, here on this blog, it will be India experienced and India lived. It will sometimes be India loved and other times India disliked. And finally it will be India decoded (is that even possible?!) and India described.
So now, is the name Informative and Memorable enough for you?
Hello Mum-bai!
I’m not actually from Mumbai (and I still say Bombay 7 times out of 10 but that is bound to change now). Home has been a wonderful American town for numerous years. Much before that, I am fortunate to have spent my early years living in one of the great cities in the South of India. For the last few years, however, I have had the chance of frequenting Bombay (see, I told you) because of my work. And what a revelation that has been!
The Sealink and Mumbai Beyond
What’s the first thing you notice about Mumbai? For me, when I am flying in, the minute that the flight touches down, I immediately smell the city. It is the most unique smell in the world – I swear, there’s nothing else like it, and I am one of those that have visited many parts of the world.
My life and world have now changed. I have accepted a new opportunity that brings me to Mumbai. To live. Wow! So, now when the plane touches down, I have to say to myself, I’m home. Double wow!
Anyway, hello Mumbai…I am excited to be here! Already, I am beginning to feel your pulse. I want to really remember this experience. And I want to talk to others about it. Thank you for accepting me as a new citizen so gracefully and with nary a murmur…now, I’m one among some 19 million others. Somehow, I feel like you have made space for me.
Photograph Courtesy of vishalphotography.com.
The Yin and Yang of Life Anywhere 