The Tiger's Nest

Guru Padmasambhava, often referred to as Guru Rinpoche, occupies a very important place in Buddhist philosophy. The word Padmasambhava literally means as the one born in a Lotus. (Chaturmukha Brahma, the four headed creator in Hindu philosophy, is also Lotus born and hence a parallel can be seen). Tibetan Buddhism, followed in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and other Himalayan areas consider him as the "Second Buddha". Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have lived in the 8th century. He is also believed to have lived in Nepal and later in Bhutan. It is said that he came to the upper Paro valley in Bhutan and sat in penance at a cliff point for three years, three months, three days and three hours. A temple was constructed at this point around the end of 17th century (1692 AD). 

This place (picture given above) is known as Paro Taktsang, also mentioned as Paro Palphug Monastery and Tiger's Nest. This building and centre has become a symbol of modren Bhutan's most important tourist destination. The importance of the place is for various reasons; its historical relevance, its location, the trek that is required to reach there and its natural beauty are among the many reasons.

Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown into this place from Tibet on a flying tiger. This place is therefore known as the Tiger's Nest. To reach Tiger's Nest one has to go on a trek from the Paro valley. The valley itself is at a height of 7,000 above sea level. The nest is at a height of 10,000 feet. The 3,000 feet trek normally takes about 2 hours one way. It is good for younger generation. But one can see local Bhutanese women go on the trek even with small babies in their arms!

A common painting we find in most of the Buddhist temples is the one of "Four Harmonious Friends". Four animals, an elephant, a monkey, a hare and a bird lived in a forest near a tree. They lived happily but somewhere along the way they lost respect for each other. Once respect was gone, conflict surfaced. After realising that conflict is not good for any of them, they decided to respect each other according to their age. How to measure the age? They felt that measurement of age can be with reference to the tree. Each one of them told others about how big the tree was when they first saw it. That settled the order. The bird was the oldest, the hare was next. Monkey and the elephant came later on. Once this was settled, harmony was restored. As the tree grew big, they were unable to reach its fruits. They climbed on each other, get the fruits and share them.

The celebrated principle of respecting age is brought out here, but it also lays emphasis on mutual respect. Seniority cannot be judged merely by age. While it is generally accepted that one matures with age and becomes wiser, it is not always true. Therefore, seniors should also respect the juniors as wisdom is not linked merely to age. Wisdom is a result of advancement in learning and practice. 

For visiting Tiger's Nest one should be able to walk and hike for four to five hours. Physical fitness becomes very important. This is true of other important sight seeing places as well. To enjoy the natural beauty and the adventure, one should visit Bhutan while still young! 

"He River" and "She River"

After landing at Paro International Airport, tourists usually travel by road to Thimphu for sight seeing and stay there for a day or two. The next popular destination for them is Punakha. The 72 Kilo Meter journey by road from Thimphu to Punakha takes about 2 hours on the winding roads in the hills with a river flowing below the roadside as an accompaniment. The delightful journey itself is a sight-seeing trip. The paddy fields and vegetable growing areas can be seen all along on the hill slopes and valleys. 

On a clear day, while driving from Thimphu to Punakha, one can see a number of Himalayan peaks from an elevated place. Boards are placed to enable tourists identify various peaks, as given in the picture alongside. Punakha is a small town in the Bhutan Himalayas and has a population of only 7,000 people. Located at an elation of 1240 meters above sea level (about 4,000 feet), Punakha was the capital of Bhutan till 1955 after which it was moved to Thimphu. Many resorts in the surrounding hills provide comfortable lodging facilities to the tourists.These resorts are well equipped with modren amenities and provide breathtaking views of the Himalayan hill ranges and forests. 

Punakha is especially known for the magnificent  Punakha Dzong. It is also called "Pungthang Dewachen Namgyal" meaning "The Palace of Happiness". Constructed in the year 1637, this beautiful structure is located at the confluence of the two rivers named Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Translated to English the names of the rivers is "He river" and "She river". The picture given at the top, taken from the resort in the hills, shows the two rivers and the confluence place. The picture given alongside has a view of the building itself. 

Entry to the Dzong is by crossing the "He river" through a wooden bridge. An entry fee of 300 Rupees is charged for SAARC country tourists. After entering the compound of the building, one has to climb steep stairs to reach the building proper. The big courtyard in the building is the venue for the famous Punakha Tshechu Religious Festival, known for dances by masked characters and music. Tourists are allowed to see only a part of the building as the other areas house monasteries and offices. There is also a "King's Room" which is guarded round the clock and entry restricted to the King and designated officers. 

The Dzong is vulnerable to sudden and flash floods whenever there are heavy rains in the upper Himalayan peaks surrounding the area. River channels are deepened periodically to protect the building from flash floods. A strong compound wall is also being built to prevent flooding. The resorts in the nearby Hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten give a magnificient view of river, Dzong and the valley. Red and white rice is grown abundantly in the surrounding areas. Tourists also take a walk form the building to reach a hanging bridge on the "She River" that gives a beautiful view on the other side of the building. We get to see some fractured (not a full rainbow) rainbows in rural areas but for city dwellers rainbows are not easily visible. But one can get a full view of semi-circular rainbows across the hills on the opposite side from the resorts housing the guests. As it rains almost daily in the forest peaks, one can get to see these beautiful rainbows every evening.

Another interesting tourist spot in the Punakha valley is the "Temple of Fertility". Legend has it that Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as "Divine Madman" wanted to move from Tibet to Bhutan to propagate Buddhist philosophy. He shot an arrow from Tibet which landed in this place. Pleased with her devotion, he blessed the girl at whose place the arrow landed with a child. Since then this place is visited by newly married and childless couple and is known as Chimi La Khang.

Punakha valley also provides opportunity for trekking and fishing. Foreigners have to obtain permit for fishing. Permits are allowed on the condition that the fish caught by them are to be put back in water immediately. You have the pleasure of fishing without destroying the fish population!

Buddha on Thimphu Hill

One of the tourist destinations for international travellers after landing at Paro International airport is Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. Bhutan is a wonderful destination for vacation for various reasons. It is indeed far away from the maddening crowds, for one. The natural beauty of the hill country, its unspoiled rivers and forests, hills and valleys, leisurely pace of life are all contributing factors for a peaceful holiday spend. 

For a traveler from a city of over 10 to 12 million people, Bhutan and Thimphu make very interesting study. The entire population of Bhutan is well below one million, actually around 8,20,000. The capital city of Thimphu is the biggest city and its population is just about 100,000. Its land mass area is about 26 square kilo meters, spread over the valley and hills.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Fortress) is a beautiful and grand building that houses the main government offices. It has a throne room and the King's offices, the secretariat and ministries of Home affairs and Finance. This 13th century building can be seen from a distance as the tourists move around the city. There are no traffic lights in the city. There is only one traffic policeman in the main junction of the city and he is a tourist attraction. Tourists stop near the junction and take his pictures. It is especially amusing for visitors from cities where the traffic hardly moves despite glowing green lights at traffic junctions. The city has three movie theatres, but only Bhutanese movies are screened there.

The Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the Thimphu city (see picture at the top) was completed in 2015. It is said to be the largest Shakyamuni Buddha statue ever built and sits on a mountain overlooking the city and the valley. The statue measures 177 feet (about 54 meters). The view of the city from the base of the statue is breathtaking one. The sight within the temple is also worth visiting and gives insight into Buddhism, Bhutan culture and way of life in the country. There are more than 100,000 small Buddha statues inside the temple each of which is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is surrounded by 36 statues of Yakshis and each of them is different from the other.

Agriculture and tourism are the two major activities in Bhutan. One can see farmers selling their produce in designated market areas as well along road side in the highways connecting the three main cities, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Abundant quantities of vegetables are grown in the hill slopes and valleys. A type of red rice is grown in the valley taking advantage of abundant water resources and fertile lands in the slopes and valleys. Two crops a year are common and in some areas even three crops a year is grown. Selling local handicrafts, working as guides and drivers for tourists are other important job creators. Government jobs are sought after for the job security they bring.

The many rivers in the country provide opportunity for generation of hydro electricity. There are four major and several small electricity generating stations in the country. Electricity generation is surplus in summer and exported, mainly to India. The many resorts along the river sides provide delightful stay points for the tourists. Spending a few hours on the river front amidst nature in the front or backyard of one's room in the resorts is a delightful experience. The rich variety of Bhutanese food, trekking, fishing and a mere walk on the way to places of tourist interest make a visit to Bhutan a memorable experience.

Airport by the River

There are many airports in different parts of the world. Some of them are very busy and congested. Some of them are very busy but always give a feeling of calm efficiency to the traveler. Some airports are like gardens and some others are modren structures with all engineering marvels. Airports are a means to land in a place and move forward to other destinations for sightseeing or work or business. In any airport, the travellers are eager to come out of the aircraft after landing, collect their baggage and get out of the airport in a car or a cab as fast as possible. This is the normal experience of any seasoned traveler.

Is there any airport which by itself can be a destination for sightseeing? Is there an airport that holds back the visitor for sometime after landing and make him forget the baggage and other issues? Is there an airport where the arriving passengers start clicking photos once they come out of the aircraft? Yes, Paro International Airport in Bhutan is one such airport which is worth visiting just for the thrill of landing and taking off from there. Of course, there are other attractions as well in this place and surrounding areas. The river Paro Cho flowing by the side of the airport is itself a beautiful sight. The picture given above shows the river flowing adjacent to the airport terminal. Visitors usually spend a full week in the surrounding areas before coming back to this airport and taking off to their destinations. There is always a demand from the passengers on the cabin crew for a window seat when the aircraft takes off!

Paro airport is the only international airport in the Kingdom of Bhutan. There are other three airports in the country for meeting domestic needs. The airport is at a short distance (6 Kms) from the town of Paro in a deep valley and on the banks of the river Paro Cho. Paro airport is surrounded by many peaks with some of them as high as 18,000 feet. Airport is itself at a height of 7400 feet above sea level. Landing of aircraft is indeed a challenge to the pilots as the aircraft has to descend into the valley in a set route and land at an angle instead of a straight line as happens in most of the airports.

Landing at Paro is very difficult for three reasons; the high mountain peaks around the runway, many buildings and houses on the flight path and the angular landing requirement. The airport was fully commissioned in 2011 and there were many structures and buildings around by that time. As the aircraft enters the valley, the pilots have to navigate it between the beautiful peaks, manage the landing at an angle amidst the buildings and that too in the short runway. The airport has the distinction of having a runway shorter than its altitude. In view of these challenges, only a select number of specially trained pilots are allowed to land and take off from this airport. Operations are permitted only on visual meteorological conditions.

Our aircraft from Kolkata, an Airbus A-319, took off last fortnight as scheduled and the limited travellers on board due to lean season month provided window seats to all on board. The sight on the flight path was indeed breathtaking and delightful. The skilled pilots navigated the aircraft between the mountain peaks. The clear sky, green forests below and the occasional clouds gave the proper setting. Despite the difficulties in navigation, the landing was very smooth. The terminal building resembles a typical Bhutanese structure and looks like a museum. Immigration officials are friendly and the entire experience at the airport is very rewarding.

Travellers from south India generally take the flights to Paro from Kolkata. These flights are usually timed at around 9 AM. One has to reach Kolkata on the previous night to catch these flights on the next morning. There is a facility of Resting Rooms (not Rest Rooms) in the Kolkata Airport which are as good as in any four star hotel. The rooms are to be arranged from the duty airport manager, before coming out of the arrival exit. Charges are reasonable and a planned visit is comfortable with this arrangement.

Indian citizen can visit Bhutan even without a passport. A Voter identification card (EPIC) is enough for visit as a tourist. Visa is provided on arrival at the airport. There was no visa for us and an authorisation was given by stamping arrival in the passport. Arranged tours are popular. Indian Rupee is widely accepted and has the same value as the local currency as the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is linked to the rupee. However, 500 and 2000 rupee notes are not widely accepted. Notes of Rupees 100 and 50 denominations are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry 100 rupee notes. Payment can be made by debit and credit cards in some hotels. Most of the temples and museums do not accept card payments. In our experience entry charges in museums and temples is usually 300 rupees per person. 

If one desires to visit Bhutan for a vacation, Paro is the airport to land and take off from. One can also hope to see a landing at the airport by chance, while visiting a temple or a museum at an elevated place high above the runway. We were indeed lucky and could see three such landings and takeoffs during our three days stay in Paro. The "Airport by the River" is a thrill by itself!

Features of Pleasure and Sorrow

What are the features of pleasure and sorrow? What are the sources and reasons that enhance our pleasures or inflict pain on us? What are the symptoms, indications and definitions of pleasure and sorrow? Is there anyone who wants more sorrow and less pleasure? What resources make us happy? What are the items absence of which make us sorrowful? Is it possible to enhance pleasure and decrease sorrow? Are there any methods to control grief and enhance happiness? These are interesting questions. In fact, when analysed minutely, every effort made by us is to prevent sorrowful events and usher in happy hours. Anything that makes us succeed in these efforts is welcome. Anything else that makes us unhappy is be to kept away as far as possible, if eliminating them is not in our control. 

An example of three persons going to sleep after a long day may throw some light on these issues. The first one is poor and does not have a roof of his own. He does not have a bedroom and a bed. A dilapidated roadside structure gives him refuge. Hard floor is his bed. His own folded hand becomes his pillow. The second one is more lucky. He has his own small house and a normal bed. He is much better off than the first. There is some safety and security for him to enjoy his sleep. The third one is even more blessed. He has a wonderful bungalow and spacious bedroom. A decorated cot with soft bed and pillows await him. All the three go to sleep at the same time and get up the next morning. What was the pleasure that a night's sleep gave them? Was it in proportion to the physical facilities they had or did not have? 

The physical aids like bed, cot or pillow and their relative softness or otherwise are relevant till they fall asleep. Once they fall asleep, the pleasure of deep sleep is the same for all of them. One sleeping on a hard surface may be rejuvenated next morning whereas the one on the soft bed may be spending the whole night shifting sides. The qualities of amenities do not make any difference once sound sleep engulfs them.

***** 

Let us consider the example of a sweet dish. A Jamoon or a Rassgulla for example. If you do not like them, substitute it with your own favourite sweet. The first piece is very tasty and consuming it gives a wonderful feeling. The second may give the same feeling or may feel even better. The third would not taste as good, even though it is from the same bowl or sample. The fifth would make you push it aside. An hour later, the same item may appear disgusting if earlier food is not digested and stomach has turned into a gas chamber. 

Jamoon, Rassgulla or the other sweet are the same. Our liking them or not is not dependant on their qualities. The decision to eat or not is based on the mental state and desire to eat, and not due to the qualities of the items per se. Decision is driven by the mind's like or dislike.

*****

Many houses are burgled everyday. Some houses are burnt down. Someone dies in an accident. These are mere news items on the newspaper or TV channel. It does not evoke much sorrow or grief. When the burgled or burnt house belongs to someone known to us, it indeed becomes sorrowful news. Except for those who derive pleasure when a enemy's house is burnt down. Then the same news item brings lot of pleasure!

A house is put on sale. A member of the family is away when the sale process is on. On his return he finds that the house is on fire. His sorrow is uncontrollable and he starts crying. Just then someone informs him that the house was sold last week and full sale consideration was received by his family members only three days ago. He is now looking at the same burning house. But the sorrow is gone. The grief was not due to the burning of the house. It had more to do with the house being owned by him. Once the self interest was delinked, the attachment was gone and the grief too vanished.

*****

These examples make it amply clear that one's pleasure or sorrow does not depend on the tools, resources and their qualities. It is basically linked to the mental state of the person. People are extremely active at times. They are also indifferent at some other times. They even become vengeful and cruel at yet another time. These are all indeed due to mental state and mind's likes and dislikes.

This verse from Vishnu Purana has summed all this thousands of years ago:

नास्ति दुःखात्मकः किञ्चित् न च किञ्चित् सुखात्मकम् |

मनसः परिणामोयं सुख दुःखादि लक्षणः ||

Naasti dukhaatmakam kinchit na cha kinchit sukhaatmakam

Manasah parinaamoyam sukha dukhaadi lakshanah

There is nothing in this world which is pleasurable or sorrowful. 

Mental state decides the qualities of pleasure or sorrow in all objects.

*****

Does this provide any clue to answer the original question? Are there any methods to control grief and enhance happiness? It indeed answers the same emphatically. Having proper control over the mind enables controlling the grief as well enhancing the pleasures of life. Controlling the mind is not easy. It is worse than a wild horse. Continuous efforts to control the mind and developing an attitude of detachment, but not neglect, is the key. 

Secrets of Achievements

What should one do during his or her lifetime? What should be the goals? How to achieve them? Should one really have goals? Should it be one goal or there should be many goals? Should there be one goal with many sub-goals? Should the goals keep changing from time to time?  Why should we talk about goals at all? Does it not complicate life?

There are millions who spend their lifetime without a goal. There are millions who do not even think of a goal because they have no time to think of one. There are also millions who have decided goals and work for achieving them. And in course of time achieve them with great efforts and continuous hard work. Such achievers are often recognised and felicitated by giving away awards and prizes. Associations and Organisations regularly identify achievers and recognise their efforts and contributions. These are joyous moments for the achievers as well as those who appreciate the achievers and their achievements. These recognitions often spur the achievers into doing even better in further pursuits. 

After receiving any such recognitions or awards, the achievers are asked a common question. What is the secret of your achievement? There may be many answers for this questions. Some achievers may try to answer them with words. Some others merely smile and let it pass. There are some others who find this as an opportunity and start waxing eloquently and make the questioner regret his asking the question. Many achievers answer with modesty and mention that this was all due to the effort and support of their team members. Some of them gracefully thank all those associated with the true achievement. 

How do these achievements come about? Is it due to the Essence or Substance of the achievers or due to the tools that were available to them? Was it their own effort or contributions of the team members? If it was due to their own team members, then why does it not happen to others who led the same team earlier or later? Why these achievements come to some repeatedly and even when they lead different teams at different times? These are interesting questions that beg for an answer.

Such questions are not recent in origin. These questions have been asked for thousands of years and answered as well. One may not concur with the answers and may wish them away as mere opinions. But the truth is that these questions have been asked and answered since ages. They were also answered in interesting manner as well.

*****

It is said that this question came up once in the royal court of King Bhojaraja of Dharanagara, present town of Dhar (near Indore) in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. There are many stories about Raja Bhoja and many disputes about his period. The complications come from the fact that there were many Kings with the same name over several centuries. The most famous Bhoja ruled from Dhar in the early 11th century (1010-1055 AD). He was a great patron of literature and fine arts. Among the many stories are mentions about the nine poets (Navamanis - Nine Jewels) including Poet Kalidasa. For the purpose of this discussion on achievements and achievers, we have to keep aside all these controversies and just go by the story.

Once when the royal court was in session, many courtiers appreciated the achievements of Bhoja. His taking good care of his state and subjects, and his being a patron of poets and artistes came for special mention. Raja Bhoja thanked them for all kind words and mentioned that all these achievements were possible due to the support and best wishes of his subjects and well-wishers. This led to the argument about the roles of tools and substance of the achiever in reaching the goals.

One poet stated that the achievements of Raja Bhoja was entirely due to his own efforts and substance. He gave the analogy of sage Agastya. "Agastya was born in a pot, lived among animals in the forest, ate root vegetables and led the life of a ascetic. Yet when confronted, he drank the mighty ocean by taking it in his hand! For the achievers, achievement comes from their own substance and not the tools!", he thunders in his verse in Sanskrit. क्रियासिद्धिः सत्वेभवति महातंनोपकरणे - Secret of Achievements is the achiever's own capacity and not from the tools, he mentions.

A second poet concurs with him and gives another analogy. He refers to Kamadeva or Cupid. "Kamadeva's bow is made of flowers, bees are its strings, the arrow he uses is the fickle and mercurial sight of women, his friend is the freezing moon and these are his fragile tools; he does not even have a body and yet he shakes and creates ripples in the whole world. His achievement comes purely from his own capacity and not these tools", he says.

Achievements come from the substance of the achiever and his efforts alone, not by the tools or team he gets, they argue. And it appears that settled the arguments then.

*****

Lack of tools or a weak team can be an excuse for poor achievement. Role of right tools or supporting competent team members can never be overemphasised. Even an expert cook cannot give the output of good food unless he is provided with good ingredients and right tools. At the same time the presence of the ingredients and excellent tools do not bring out the quality in the food prepared unless the cook is skilled in handling these items. Coaches may be in perfect condition; but they cannot move on their own. The speed at which they move depends on the engine; compare their speed when they are hauled by a steam engine, a diesel locomotive or a bullet train engine. The engine determines the degree of achievement for the same set of coaches. 

A right combination of the achiever's substance and matching tools is the real recipe for achievements. Both have their share of importance, yet leader makes a difference.

*****

Argument of the second poet mentioned above, giving the example of the Cupid is indeed very interesting. It reads thus:

धनुः पौष्पं मोर्वी मधुकरमयी 

चञ्चलद्रुशाम् कृशां कोणो बाणः  

सुहृदपि जरात्मा हिमकरः स्वयंचैकोनङ्गः 

सकल भुवनं व्याकुलयति 

क्रियसिद्दिः सत्वेभवति महताम् नोपकरणे 

Dhanuhpoushpam mourvee madhukaramayee

Chanchaladrushaam krushaam konobaanaha

Suhrudapi jaratmaa himakaraha Swayamchaikonangaha

Sakala bhuvanam vyakulayati

Kriyasiddihsatvebhavati mahataam nopakarane

Manmatha (Cupid) has a bow made of flowers with a string of bees, the arrow used is the fickle and crooked sight of women, has a freezing friend in the Moon and He Himself is without a body! and yet, he rules the whole world. Therefore, his achievement is only due his own capacity and not these tools he uses! Tools do not matter to the achievers; their achievement is derived from their own substance.

The words "Dhanuhpoushpam Mourvee Madhukaramayee" with which the above verse starts is the same as in the 6th sloka of "Soundarya Lahari" composed by the revered Guru, Adi Shankaracharya. This sloka in Soundarya Lahari also deals with the exploits of Cupid and how he derives his powers to shake the world from The Mother, who is the subject of devotion and prayer in Soundarya Lahari. The second poet referred above has probably taken the words from that prayer (assuming that he succeeded the Acharya in timeline, which is most likely) and modified it to settle the dispute about the essence of the achiever and the tools!

Legend has it that Manmatha has a bow of sugarcane or flowers and uses five flower arrows - Aravinda, Ashoka, Choota, Navamallika and Neelotpala (23rd sloka of Amarakosha says - Aravindamashokancha chootancha navamallika, neelotpalancha panchaite panchabanasya sayakaah - the flowers are Lotus, Ashoka, Mango, Jasmine and Blue water Lille  or Naidile). Here the crooked views of krushaangis (women with thin waistlines) has replaced the arrows of flowers. Does it really matter? Slight difference in the tools do not make a difference when we are dismissing the entire set of tools, lock, stock and barrel!

Art of Cricket to A-Z of Bradman

The small town where we lived in our childhood had two large playgrounds that belonged to the two High Schools, one run by the Town Municipality and the other by a Private Education Trust. They were the days without computers and mobiles, and naturally evenings were occupied in playing in these two big fields. There were another half a dozen medium and small grounds as well that belonged to other smaller schools. There was a great but healthy rivalry between the two high schools in various competitions, be it sports or other extra-curricular activities. The annual cricket match between the two high schools was an event that was eagerly looked forward to by all sports enthusiasts. Students from all over the taluk (tehsil) studied in these two schools. Many lived in hostels and some had private arrangements for pursuing their studies.

The town had a cricket group that played as a team only when an outside team was invited to play in the town. A blackboard kept on the previous day, in the town's main circle near the municipal office, used to announce the conduct of the match. Some of the elderly players in the team, mostly in their twenties and early thirties, had already finished their studies and were living in the nearby big city either for higher studies or employment. On the day of the match they would come together and assemble in the ground just before the match. The shortage of players to make up the final XI was managed by picking the deficit from among us youngsters. I was the official scorer for these unofficial matches. There was no remuneration for the official scorer, but the privilege of joining the participating teams for lunch was extended as a perk.

The eldest son of the town's transport operator was the team's captain. He was chosen as a captain for three reasons. That he was a good fast bowler was the first reason. He owned the playing kit was the second reason. He funded the expenses for the match and lunch was the third and more important reason. He was a fun loving young man and had contacts in the city for inviting other teams to come and play in our town. Though not practicing as a regular team, the winning record of the team was indeed satisfactory.

On one such match days, the captain had brought a copy of "The Art of Cricket" to the playground. The only source to see books for youngsters like us in those days were the school library or homes of teachers or local scholars. Books were prized possession and were never parted with. Borrowing books for school children like us was almost impossible. Don Bradman, a revered name then (as it is even today) was the author of the book. The book was passed around the elder members of the team. I got to touch the book when it was passed around. "The Art of Cricket" is actually a technical manual written by the Don himself and was originally published in the year 1958. The book was acclaimed as the best coaching book on cricket and holds its own high position even today, despite a plethora of books on cricket. The book has seen several revisions and editions and remains a popular book on the art of cricket.

I wanted to borrow the book and read it. The captain had already refused to give it to two of his elderly teammates. Asking him for the book appeared to be the toughest task at that time. I mustered courage and went to him in the restaurant during the lunch recess. My request was for getting the book for one day. He looked at me and asked me to sit down on the chair opposite to him.

"Are you in the same class as my younger brother Raju?"
"Yes, we are in the same class."
"How is he in his studies?"
"He is doing alright. Attends school regularly."
"He failed in Mathematics."
"He was more interested in sports last year. Now he is okay."
"I understand that you help him in his studies."
"Not much. I try to help the way I can."
"You know I do not give the book to anybody."
"I need for only one day. I will return it safely. I will keep it neat and clean."
"I will give it to you as a special case. Bur for only three days."

Two days were enough to read through the book. The book was returned with thanks well before the deadline.

*****

My niece visited her sister presently living in Australia. As a part of the sight seeing trips she visited Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral, New South Wales. Bowral town is 126 kilo meters from Sydney. While on the visit, she was kind to remember with my interest in cricket literature. She bought a book titled "The A-Z of Bradman". The first thing she did after landing in Bangalore was to meet me and handover the book. Such a nice gesture.

This book by Alan Eason is different from other books. The author studied Accountancy, but the book says he found words more interesting than figures. He started by contributed crossword puzzles to newspapers, covering a wide range of subjects. Sports and cricket got included and he used this background to present the Don from A to Z in this book. The book, spread over 440 pages gives all types of information about the Don arranged from A to Z. It contains information about his life, career in cricket and the many interesting personalities that were an integral part of his life. The book starts from Aberdeen seaport in Scotland, where the Don played his last match in Britain, and ends with with Zanetti Paul, the freelance artiste. For those who have not heard of Paul Zanetti, his cartoon of God asking for the Don's autograph on his arrival in Heaven after his death on 25th February 2001 appeared in many newspapers and summed up Don Bradman's popularity.

There are many interesting details in the book. Don Bradman averaged 101.39 before his last test innings. He needed four runs in the last innings to end with an average of 100 runs. He was astonishingly out for a second ball duck. Many things are said about the same. Some even went to the extent of saying that there were tears in his eyes as he faced the ball since he was ending his test career. He could not see the ball properly and got out, they said. But the don himself denied these opinions. In a television interview Ray Martin asked him " Do you laugh when you think, it is the most famous duck in cricket history?", Bradman replied "No, I don't laugh much about it, because I am very sorry that I made a duck, and I would have been glad if I had only made those four runs so I could finish with an average of 100". 

*****

In his "The Art Of Cricket", Don Bradman emphasises the importance of preparing physically and mentally for each cricket match, be it a club game or a test match. He deals at length on the choosing of proper gear like leg guards, gloves or a bat, or polishing the shoe and checking the nails on the boots. Things have changed a lot from the time of buying a bat and seasoning it with Linseed Oil. Modren bats are indeed different. Nevertheless, choosing the appropriate gear and checking their working before the match are as important today as in his playing days. Even slight carelessness in the preparation may turn out to be the end of what could be a great innings. This we see even today, when a batsman fails to ground his bat while taking a quick single or even while backing up at the bowler's end. Bradman's this lesson is equally applicable in every walk of life. Giving importance to minor details can be the boundary line between success and failure in any walk of life.

Fifty years is a long time indeed. "The Art Of Cricket" had to be borrowed for two days. "The A-Z Of Bradman" will be with me for much longer. Its reading pleasure can be savoured leisurely! There should certainly be many worthy lessons in it that can be used in future.