Learning to swim through life

Having left my job in November 2008, I was at a loose end. I wanted to utilize this break to indulge in long cherished dreams - trekking and learning to swim.

After lot of misgivings about aggravating my sinus problem (classes are at 5 AM and 7:45 PM), near-drowning experiences, looking ridiculous in front of people who would learn fast, and effort in going to classes for 21 days at night, I joined PM Swimming Center (Jayanagar corporation swimming pool) on 5th Feb, 2009.

Lesson 1 : In Life, overcome your barriers and leap into the unknown!

One coach being on leave, we had only one coach for a batch of 30 guys. The coach could hardly manage the gang of learners of different capabilities. On second day, after kicking the wall and simply gliding, I had a panic attack in water and struggled to come up, even though coach had said 'Do not fear, I am here'. Later in the night, after resolving not to panic again, I remembered Krishna's delcaration in Bhagavath Geeta :

'Do not fear : surrender to me and you will surely come to Me'

Lesson 2 : While struggling to swim in the ocean of life, remember, God is there to save us.

On the third day, I learnt to glide. On fourth day, I could not get my legs to kick water properly. Coach pointed out that my feet were kicking below water, and did not kick the surface. He then turned to others. As I kept hesitating against the wall. afraid to try on my own, a gang member exhorted me to keep trying and not be inhibited.

Lesson 3 : In life, it helps to have a mentor or coach to make you do things which you already know, but hesitate or are too lazy to do. Even if you do not find a coach, keep your goal in mind and PUSH!

trek in B R Hills

My brother Kumar and I setoff to Biligirangan Betta on 18th December. We reached the hilltop at night and settled in our cold, tiled room at the guest house of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra, which has preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the region, and runs scholl for tribal children.

The next day we went to the Bilgiri Rangaswamy Temple and saw the famous 1000 ft. drop into the valley behind the temple. In the afternoon we trekked up to Mulki betta, accompanied by a nervous forest guard, who kept a look out for elephants, for it was the mating season. We unfortunately did not see any animals, except a sambar at a distance, which promptly fled, and heard the roar of a tiger and trumpeting of the elephants. It was a bit exciting, the sense of fear at being chased by a herd of elephants!

Early next morning we set off for great champak tree, Doddasampige mara, believed to be more than 2000 ears old and worshipped by the Soligas, the tribals of that area. I tried to medidate on Lord Shiva, sitting by the side of the 100 lings at the base of the tree. My reverie was interupped by a small gang led by the priest, who set about cleaning up the place. The rivulet is said to be an incarnation of Renuka, the wife of Mara rishi Jamadagni (my gotra!).

The forest cast their spell on me, with its deep silences interupted by bird songs. I tried to focus my consciousness on the peace of the forest and discover peace within me, but my mind kept wandering, including worrying whether we would reach the bus stop in time to go back to BRT. I concluded that one cannot attain peace by a quick trip to a forest. Mind has to be stilled after immense sadhana of spiritual practice.

Muttathi on Cauvery

We drove towards Bheemeshwari fishing camp on a scooter on 23 November 2006. A distance of about 100 km from Bangalore (J P nagar), made difficult by the unsuitable mode of transport.

We stopped enroute at a rocky view point in the forested valley. Divinely peaceful place, no crowds, except on the river banks at Muttathi village.

Not wishing to provide dessert to the crocodiles, we did not step into the inviting waters. We kept a sharp lookout at the hopeful monkeys, but could not prevent them from tearing the scooter seat cover, perhaps in vengeance at being denied their share of our lunch!

Thippagondanahalli reservoir

We visited T G halli dam on 10 Nov-2006. BTS buses ply from City market upto gates of the BWSSB colony, from where it is a 15 min walk to the dam.

The water level being low, part of the submerged temple is visible in the picture.

T.G. Halli dam, situated 30 kms from Bangalore amidst rolling hills, boasts a reservoir that stands at the confluence of the rivers Arakavathi and Kumudavathi. Sixteen kms down start of Magadi road , you will arrive at Tavarekere. From here onwards the road winds and weaves through hills. You can either enter the main gate leading to the dam after fulfilling official procedures or you can head straight for the water. To reach the water, proceed for 2 kms from the dam gates and turn into a small road to your right. This road, which passes through a forest for about 1 km, leads directly to the dam waters.

To visit the dam site and take a tour of the filtration and pumping process, you have to obtain permission from the BWSSB head office in Bangalore.

Dad's birthday at Meenakshi Temple, Bangalore

Dad turned 90 today. We participated in abhishek of Lord Sundareshwaraya (Shiva) and Goddes Meenakshi at the Meenakshi Sundareshwaraya temple, Hulimavu, Bannerghatta road, Bangalore.

Sitting close to the God, hearing the mantras as milk, curds, sandal... are poured over the idol is a wonderful experience. But I wish our rituals were conducted with more finesse. Hindu temple priests go about rituals with mechanical eficiency.

Yogavana hills, near Kanakpura

Yogavana hill is 3 km off Kanapura road, about 25 km from Family Mart, J P nagar. You will see a small sign on Kanapura road.

Hill is an easy climb, has a small temple on top, and offers great views. Drive from Kanapura road is through paddy fields.

The Yogavana ashram is at the base of the hill

This place offers peaceful green surroundings for a quick get-away from Bangalore.

Visit to Bhavani Sagar Dam, Satyamangalam

We visited Satyamangalam town for meeting NGOs. This provided a great oppotunity to stop at Nanjangud temple and Bhavani Sagar dam.

The lake at dam offers a beautiful view, ringed by low hills. An idyllic place, with no madding crowds! Unfortunately, inaccessible except by privtae transport.

The Nanjangud temple bathed by setting sun was a 'golden' photo opportunity. Tippu Sultan is is reputed to have donated a lingam here.