Author: Wisdom Nuggets

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Last week, I was just browsing through my bookshelf to get hold of a classic book called The Diamond Cutter. This is written by 2 brilliant Buddhist monks, Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally. I had read the book in 2013 for the first time. When I started reading this book now, I realized that the success principles mentioned in the book was giving me fresh insights. Probably my experiences and the learnings gained during my last 8 years in my life was making me reflect on the teachings with a new perspective.

There are 2 categories of books in this world. Category 1 books have a limited shelf life. One can read them once for relaxation (Example: Fiction books). Category 2 books have a relatively longer shelf life and provide inspiration (Example: Books like The Diamond Cutter). These books have the power to reveal newer insights every time you pick it up.

I have put my best efforts with the intention to share my knowledge and inspire the readers. Do you think FRIDAY GYAAN book belongs to Category 2? I would love to listen to your thoughts. (FRIDAY GYAAN is available in Amazon in both ebook and paperback versions – Visit Website http://www.authorshankar.com)

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At some point of time in our lives, we would have felt that the Universe may be biased. But, if we carefully self assess and go to the root cause of any situation, we get convinced that what goes around comes around. When we face unfavorable situations, it is the best time for us to self assess our intentions. Impure intention pollutes our mind and intellect since the purpose is to cause harm to other living beings.

On the other hand, we see many people in our lives who keep attracting goodness wherever they are and in whatever they accomplish. The difference is in the level of purity of the intention behind every thought, word and deed. Let us strive towards the purification of our intentions, for it is a boomerang, which will faithfully return to us.

The purpose of the lessons from our experiences is explained with a forging industry analogy in Gyaan Nugget # 49 in Chapter 3. (FRIDAY GYAAN is available in Amazon in both ebook and paperback versions – Visit Website http://www.authorshankar.com)

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When the discussion is about the greatest partnerships in the world of Test cricket, the one which readily comes to my mind is the 376 run stand between Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman. They batted the entire day on 14th March, 2001 against the invincible Australians in Kolkata. They complemented each other brilliantly and gave their individual best to script that famous win for India.

A partnership will prosper if the two individuals keep giving with an attitude of selflessness. When each individual is strongly under the influence of a selfish attitude, any partnership is bound to corrode faster.

After reading Gyaan Nugget # 84 given in Chapter 5, observe examples of selflessness in great partnerships which you have come across in your life. It has the power to make you walk with a spring in your step. (FRIDAY GYAAN is available in Amazon in both ebook and paperback versions – Visit Website http://www.authorshankar.com)

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I love reading Marshall Goldsmith’s classics on Leadership. Currently, I am reading his book TRIGGERS, which talks about the behavioral triggers that shape us and ways to master them. He has given a simple explanation to distinguish between Self-Discipline and Self-Control.

Self-Discipline refers to achieving desirable behavior.

Self-Control refers to avoiding undesirable behavior.

Contemplate deeply on this distinction while reading about the tool box talk in Gyaan Nugget # 79 given in Chapter 5. (FRIDAY GYAAN is available in Amazon in both ebook and paperback versions – Visit Website http://www.authorshankar.com)

(2 minute Read)

Living is a skill. Let us explore the learning potential which is hidden in every living experience with a thought provoking Q&A session.

Q: What is the central purpose of every living experience?

A: Every living experience has a hidden potential to teach. They can impart the lesson(s) to make us emotionally mature and grow wiser.

Q: Why do some people grow wiser and some people remain ignorant, while facing similar experiences in their lives?

A: The basic attitude with which one approaches an experience determines our growth. At top end of the spectrum, you have people who welcome any experience and discover the blessings for their growth. At the bottom end of the spectrum, you have people who blame the world for every hardship they face. These people are stubborn, unwilling to learn and change themselves. You have infinite combinations of attitudes within that spectrum.

Q: How can I self assess my position in the spectrum?

A: The test is very simple. At the end of each day, before I sleep, if I feel blessed and thank the world for the lessons, then I am in the top end. However, if I suffer by blaming the world and/ or the people around me, then I am in the bottom end of the spectrum. The choice is clearly mine.

Read the Gyaan Nugget # 101 given in Chapter 6 for a quick revision of the power of choice. (FRIDAY GYAAN is available in Amazon in both ebook and paperback versions – Visit Website http://www.authorshankar.com)