Thinking aloud through sketches, words and humour
Monk knew Koi was back and she was patiently waiting till Monk was ready to speak. “Good morning Koi. I see you are up early today.” “Good morning Monk. Yes I am. I swam here as soon as I woke up.” The lake was silent this morning as the sunrise unraveled itself. There was no... Continue Reading →
It was still raining heavily that morning, when Koi returned to the Monk. This time, she was sure the Monk would still be there. All the other fish had swiftly retreated to the safety of lake bed, perturbed by the rhythmic pitter patter of raindrops on the surface and the occasional sound of distant thunder.... Continue Reading →
“What is gut feel, Monk? I hear everyone speaking about this and instinct and intuition. Tell me more.” Koi had been waiting to ask the monk this question since the last evening. Monk gifted Koi his trademark smile, that always radiated suddenly from his calm meditative visage. “Your questions are getting interesting Koi. Often, you... Continue Reading →
There was a slight drizzle and Koi wasn’t sure he would find the monk. She swam towards the garden anyway, amidst gentle ripples that danced as raindrops kissed the water. The monk was there, in his regular spot by the water, sitting cross legged with an aura of calm around him, unperturbed by the rain... Continue Reading →
Monk was expecting the Koi any moment now, he could sense Koi’s curious energy. Koi appeared on cue, gently past the lotus leaves near the banks of the lake. “Monk, I have something I want to talk about today.” “Koi, I see you have brought your friends along too.” “I have been sharing our conversations... Continue Reading →
The Koi was back after a few days. Swimming up to the monk on a cold winter morning, as a blanket of fog hung over the lake. The monk spoke first, with his eyes gently shut, yet sensing Koi was nearby in silence. “You are back Koi. How have you been?” “I am well Monk.... Continue Reading →
The Monk eyes were still shut, but he sensed an aura of restlessness as Koi approached him. “Is everything ok, Koi?” asked the monk with his eyes still closed. The Koi spoke as he neared the banks of the zen garden. “Monk, I am not feeling happy today. I watched you and have been trying... Continue Reading →
The Monk felt the Koi’s presence and opened his eyes “Welcome back my friend.” Koi smiled and said “I have another thought today Monk.” The Monk waited for Koi to continue. “Monk, how do I learn to forgive?” The monk smiled at Koi. “I love your questions Koi” and then closed his eyes in silence... Continue Reading →
The Koi fish was back early morning. “I thought of another question Monk.” She said. The monk patiently waited for Koi to speak. “What is wisdom Monk?” The monk was silent for what seemed like eternity and then he spoke softly. “Koi, Wisdom is listening intently to knowledge and making use of what she imparts.”... Continue Reading →
The Koi asked the monk one day “Have you found the answers you are looking for?” The Monk paused for a while and answered the Koi “I am not seeking answers, Koi. I am just beginning to know myself. When I really discover myself and become who I truly am, the other answers will magically... Continue Reading →
The Koi fish approached the monk one day. “I have a question for you” said the Koi. The monk waited patiently for the Koi fish to ask his question. “Why do you close your eyes?” The monk smiled with his eyes gently closed. “It allows me to be with myself and shut out the noise... Continue Reading →
“What is meditation?” The Koi fish asked the monk. The monk smiled and answered “Meditation is being in the now.” Koi went silent for a moment and asked “Are you meditating now?” “Yes. Right now I am completely present in our conversation. My mind is not astray, my thoughts aren’t scattered. The water is still... Continue Reading →
Once in a while, I let the monk get away from his solitude and mediate with others. The energy of connected silence i find visually and emotionally uplifting. In life too, we come across people who suddenly cross our paths, where you can immediately sense their aura, their positive energy and shared intent. Suddenly, there's... Continue Reading →
Imagine a life where everyday is a vacation. Where every single day we wake up smiling with a hop in our step. What are things we do on a holiday? Slow down, hear the birds, feel the wind on our face, let go of all stress, do the things we love, spend quality time with... Continue Reading →
What goes around comes around. Goodwill is the most precious asset to nurture. Networking is helping others achieve their goals without expecting anything in return. The more you become a catalyst to people's dreams and aspirations, the more the power of reciprocity kicks in. The secret is not to expect it and never to make... Continue Reading →
Quieten the busy mind, switch off from the noise, get off the daily grind, tune into your inner voice. Allow the moment to embrace, the mind is an empty bowl, within this silent space, you will find your soul.
To be in a place where you can mould your self without the baggage of the past. To be able to access, be aware of and then let go of everything which doesn't sit well with our values. To be able to simply be in a state of equanimity and see situations and moments for... Continue Reading →
An illustration I made over coffee yesterday where I attempted to depict what meditation is for me. Meditation is to spend time in quiet thought where the mind is an empty vessel. The mind learns to form a ring that keeps external chatter completely away and slowly submerge into a space of complete inner silence. ... Continue Reading →
The need for the hour is to constantly just switch off from all digital distractions. Find time for ourselves without our phones, computers, tablets and television. To just be one with observes and the people around us. Look around and feel in the moment without noise.
Leave yesterday. Forget about tomorrow. Just savor how magically Now unfolds.
a series of new sketches on being in the now. More meditative monks symbolizing the essence of soaking in every passing experience and switching off often.
a sketch I made on the importance of switching off everyday from everything and just being in the now.
I have been drawing a few samurai moments inspired by their values. Fearless, calm and completely focused with the highest ideals, they are a great inspiration for modern day management.
I have been drawing a few samurai moments inspired by their values. Fearless, calm and completely focused with the highest ideals, they are a great inspiration for modern day management.
I tried blending 2 styles of sketching which I love and the results are interesting. The process is more than meditative and I empty my mind when I draw, imagining myself as a monk creating patterns in the garden.
I have now begun sketching the monks set within zen gardens. Many years ago I had visited Kyoto and I guess the impact still remains. The experience as I wandered through the gardens soaking in the effect of calm that permeates the space was spellbinding. Kyoto gardens was on my bucket list for the longest... Continue Reading →
He who conquers others is strong, He who conquers himself is mighty. -Lao Tzu A beautiful quote by Lao Tzu. I also worked on the kanji for the word Fearless within this.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle
My next series. On the focus and ethic of the samurai warrior.
Decided to try my hand at Arabic calligraphy. The forms are exquisite and flow so smoothly. Wish I could read and know if I am writing the right things. For now enjoying the meditative flow of just writing and seeing forms come alive.
SEEKING ANSARS 