The Nature of Change

”Spiritual” is not necessarily religion. A spiritual impulse draws a person
towards inner meaning, toward the intangible, toward the enhancement
of consciousness and the search to serve the dignity of mankind.
JACOB NEEDLEMAN

A new system of philosophy will only be built up by the collective and
progressive effort of many thinkers, of many observers also, completing,
correcting and improving one another.'

                                                                Author By: HENRI BERGSON

The Art of Original Thinking–The Making of a Thought Leader

With the passing of Peter F. Drucker, the consummate thought leader, we all need to
read Jan Phillips’ book and adopt as our own her challenge to free ourselves from
illusions and create a better life and business.
KEN SHELTON, CHAIRMAN AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Executive Excellence Publishing

In a world of inevitable chaos and complexity, The Art of Original Thinking–
The Making of a Thought Leader helps show that social consciousness and corporate
performance can be simultaneously managed. Paradoxes of profit and people, growth
and continuity, learning and heritage, collaboration and competition may be sources of
tension that thoughtful leaders face and manage. The principles in the book can be used
by leaders at all levels to generate new insights into old problems.
DAVE ULRICH, PH.D.
Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

Jan Phillips’ wonderful writing style together with powerful content in The Art of
Original Thinking–The Making of a Thought Leader has made me take a hard
look at business as usual in America. She debunks the myth that profit-making and
social consciousness are poles apart. Brava, Jan, for asking the right questions!
STANLEY WESTREICH
Capital One Financial, Board of Directors; Partner, Westfield Realty

What sets apart The Art of Original Thinking–The Making of a Thought
Leader is the deep reservoir of hope that underlies the powerful ideas and message.
Referencing leaders in many fields, Jan Phillips shows how creativity and original
thinking can help heal our businesses and planet.
FREDERIC LUSKIN, PH.D.
Director, Stanford Forgiveness Projects; Author of Forgive for Good

At last, a book that unites the web of commerce with the web of life and provokes the
unsettling questions that all true leaders need. What more could a leader want than to
know how to leave a legacy of creative contribution!
EILEEN MCDARGH, CSP, CPAE
President, McDargh Communications and The Resiliency Group

The Art of Original Thinking–The Making of a Thought Leader is a must
read for anyone wanting to expand their thinking about work and life. Jan Phillips'
practical insights will help you re-examine the assumptions by which you think and
enhance your sense of life purpose.
RICHARD CHANG, CEO, RICHARD CHANG ASSOCIATES, INC.
Author of The Passion Plan and The Passion Plan at Work

Jan Phillips has truly captured the essence of being a thought leader. By zooming in
on prominent aspects of today’s business world, Phillips accurately and efficiently
demonstrates the NEED for innovative thought and leadership. Her flowing and easy-tounderstand
writing style appropriately inspires readers to embrace the fact that they too
can become a successful thought leader. The Art of Original Thinking–The Making
of a Thought Leader articulately maps out the steps necessary to seize one’s ideas and
transform them into desired knowledge. I recommend this book to motivate the inventive
thinker in all of us.
KEN LIZOTTE, CMC
Chief Imaginative Officer, Emerson Consulting Group, Inc.

Captivating stories, compelling examples and creative content. You will absolutely
learn something new and original from reading this enjoyable book. DR. TONY ALESSANDRA
Author of Charisma and The Platinum Rule

Several thousand books on leadership have been written in recent years; this is one
of the best. Jan Phillips describes the courage, actions and behaviors of creative thought
leaders who get exceptional results by building trust and relationships combined with
clarity of vision, purpose and core values to inspire people who see their work as
something far beyond themselves. The uniqueness of the book is that it effectively addresses
the dimension of successfully meshing corporate profit and goals with those of our global
environmental and resource issues.
RICHARD A. MCNEECE, LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT
Former Chairman and CEO, First National Bancorp

Jan Phillips is the ORIGINAL original thinker. Her powerful book will stir your gray
matter, shift your paradigms, and allow you to experience a new way of thinking.
Everything you do, see and contemplate will be changed as a result of reading this
inspiring and thought-provoking work. Read it as if your life and the life of our planet
depended on it.
JENNI PRISK, CEO, PRISK COMMUNICATION
Founder and President of Voices of Women

I love the spirit of this book. It is greatly needed at this time in human history. The
challenges we face are daunting and discouraging, but Jan Phillips gives us a high
energy, uplifting vision of how we can all see beyond the false dualities such as
sustainability and profit, and makes us believe that each of us can make our unique
contribution to the “original thinking” required to turn that vision into reality. Not only
does she inspire, but she gives us a practicum through her own thought leadership!
JIM ZULL, PH.D.
Author of The Art of Changing the Brain

I was struck by three things. First, she knows what she’s talking about. By
integrating the works of giants like Peter Drucker, Peter Senge and Paul Hawken she
makes a strong case for leadership based on individual, original thinking that inspires
the community to follow her lead. The humble, generous, self-offering leader leads by
deed.
Second, she is an engaging storyteller. She understands the power of an anecdote to
reinforce her main points. She says it well: "If a story can move you from thought to
action, then you know the power of a well-told tale."

Third, Ms. Phillips makes a persuasive case that the best leaders in the 21st century
will be individuals from organizations that understand that it is in their grandchildren's
best interest to maximize the triple bottom line. These thought leaders will inspire and
motivate the human capital within their organizations to maximize economic profits
while leaving no footprints in the sand.
In conclusion, Ms. Phillips thinks outside the parallelogram. I will recommend this
book to my students.
DR. CURTIS L. DEBERG, FOUNDER OF SAGE
Professor of Business, California State University, Chico

Jan Phillips has done her homework in taking this giant step forward in reshaping
our world view. Clear, concise–a true horizon of hope.
MARILYN J. MASON, PH.D., PRESIDENT, MASON & ASSOCIATES
Author of Igniting the Spirit at Work: Daily Reflections

Jan Phillips mentors leaders at all levels with her forthright advice, her deep personal
experience and her ability to draw on a vast array of resources and references to educate
her readers and amplify her points. The author makes a very unique contribution to
what has already been placed on the vast list of leadership books. Thank you, Jan, for
providing such a vivid picture of what the modern leader must do to impact others in
their own organization and beyond its boundaries as well.
DR. BEVERLY KAYE, CEO/FOUNDER, CAREER SYSTEM INTERNATIONAL
Author of Up is Not the Only way; coauthor of Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em

I was immediately drawn into the stories, examples and cutting-edge research. Jan
easily moves between age-old wisdom and provocative thinking. She shows that you can
use original approaches to win on all fronts. A must-read for anyone interested in
authentic leadership!
BONNIE ST. JOHN, MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS, THE LEADER’S EDGE
Author of Succeeding Sane: Making Room for Joy in a Crazy World

The Art of Original Thinking is a timely and important book. It truly engaged
me and sparked a shift in my thinking – how I view myself, my business and just how
connected we all are in this global community we are creating.
JACQUELINE TOWNSEND, CEO, Townsend, Inc.

Author By: Jan Phillips

The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation

Everybody finds calmness and consistency, considering that this is exactly what we do not have in our lives. Periodically, all of us encounter agitation, irritability, dishar ¬ mony. And when we suffer from these anguishes, we do not keep them to ourselves; we commonly distribute them to others as well. Unhappiness permeates the atmosphere around a person which is unpleasant, and those who come to call with such a person likewise ended up being afflicted. Absolutely this is not a seasoned method to live.

We should live serenely with ourselves, and at peace with others. It goes without saying, people are social beings, needing to reside in society and manage each various other. But just how are we to live peacefully? Exactly how are we to remain harmonious within, and keep peace and consistency around us, to ensure that others can additionally live peacefully and harmoniously?

In order to be soothed of our suffering, we need to understand the basic reason for it, the cause of the suffering. If we investigate the issue, it penetrates that whenever we start creating any sort of negative thoughts or contamination in the mind, we are bound to end up being miserable. A negativeness in the mind, a mental defilement or impurity, cannot exist together with calmness and consistency.

Exactly how do we start producing negativeness? Once again, by investigation, it becomes clear. We come to be unhappy when we discover someone acting in a way that we don't such as, or when we locate something taking place which we don't such as. Unwanted points happen and we make stress within. Desired points do not occur, some challenge comes with the method, and once again we develop a strain within; we start linking knots within. And throughout life, unwanted things continue happening, wished things might or may not occur, and this process of reaction, of linking knots-- Gordian knots-- makes the entire mental and physical structure so tense, so full of negativity, that life becomes unpleasant.

Now, one method to address this problem is to arrange that nothing unwanted takes place in life, that every little thing keeps on taking place exactly as we prefer. Either we must create the energy, or someone else who will come to our help needs to have the power, to see that undesirable points do not occur which everything we wish happens. But this is impossible. There is nobody in the world whose needs are consistently fulfilled, in whose life every little thing occurs according to his or her wishes, without anything undesirable occurring. Things regularly occur that are contrary to our wishes and wishes. So the concern occurs: just how can we quit reacting thoughtlessly when confronted with things that we do not like? Exactly how can we quit developing tension and continue to be calm and harmonious?

In India, in addition to in various other nations, sensible saintly individuals of the past studied this problem-- the issue of human suffering-- and located an option: if something undesirable occurs and you begin to react by creating temper, are afraid or any negativeness, after that, as quickly as possible, you need to divert your attention to something else. For instance, get out of bed, take a glass of water, start drinking-- your anger won't multiply; on the other hand, it'll start to decline. Or start counting: one, two, three, 4. Or begin duplicating a word, or a phrase, or some rule, probably the name of a god or saintly person to whom you have devotion; the consciousness is diverted, and somewhat you'll be free of the negativeness, devoid of the anger.

This remedy was valuable; it functioned. It still functions. Reacting similar to this, the mind does not hesitate from agitation. Nonetheless, the solution functions only at the mindful level. Actually, by diverting the interest you push the negative thoughts deep into the subconscious, and there you continue to generate and increase the exact same defilement. On the surface area there is a layer of tranquility and consistency, yet in the depths of the consciousness there is a resting mountain of restrained negativeness which eventually might emerge in a terrible explosion.

Other explorers of inner reality went still additional in their search and, by experiencing the reality of mind and concern within themselves, recognized that diverting the focus is just escaping from the issue. Retreat is no solution; you have to deal with the trouble. Whenever negative thoughts arise in the mind, merely note it, face it. As soon as you start to note a psychological impurity, it begins to shed its strength and slowly withers away.

A good option; it stays clear of both extremes-- suppression and expression. Hiding the negativeness in the subconscious will not eradicate it, and enabling it to manifest as unwholesome physical or singing actions will only develop more issues. Yet if you merely observe, then the defilement passes away and you are without it.

Organic Farming goes viral in Maharashtra!

The sensation when you are saved

Essays, exams, speeches and debates on the wonderful Indian farming developed a common component of our school education program. Some would show pride over the large, lavish green industries that Punjab has an estimate figures of wheat or grain production. While some would feel sorry over the barren lands of Maharashtra or consider over the too much usage of chemicals and plant foods. The latter did even more harm not just to the ranch, but likewise the farmers.

The Maharashtra incident was an eye-opener for city India. In worrisome times, farmers had no hope from their acres of lands to ever produce a remedy for their financial obligations. They did not understand the response to stop the dirt from losing its fertility or bring back the days when the store space would be filled with sacks of grains.

In alarming demand of a solution to the situation (or even otherwise), organic farming is the new extremely modern technology for our planters. When a farmer is conserved from numerous troubles, he could manage to give you an insight into just how it ultimately happened, yet the sensation cannot be entirely placed into words.

We might not acquire a possibility to see the farms and see for ourselves the radical adjustment that the natural approach has infused into their lives. Nevertheless, below is a try to take you through the quest of being a slave of chemicals to the king of natural miracles!

America asks India for it

Shrimant Ganu Shelake, a modest planter from the holy land of Pandharpur, is one such planter which feels blessed after being conserved from the menace of chemicals. His 5 acres of land needs less water, labor and financial investment compared to that needed in chemical farming. "Earlier, just one acre would certainly cost me roughly a monstrous Rs 25,000, now it is really much less! Permit me also tell you, my annual earnings are now Rs. 1.5 lakhs," his grateful voice starts strangling as he additionally adds, "my household is really happy now!".

He dismisses the statement that chemical-free farming cannot be a national solution for all the planters, "Every farmer could begin with it and it's ideal for the Indian diet, for any kind of crop." Ironically, America is requiring 5 lakh tonnes of organic custard apple from India; however, there is insufficient supply from the farmers. "It will certainly benefit our country; farmers do not have the awareness and this has actually stopped the progress for us," mutters Shelake. He possesses a three-acre spreading of banana field and one-and-a-half acres of red berries and custard apples each. "My custard apple and banana land will certainly improve to 5 acres in January, all thanks to chemical-free farming," his voice shows the much-felt happiness.

Shelake's counterpart Ranjith goes an action additionally and is making awareness about chemical-free farming among other farmers in the state. "I have actually been exercising chemical free of cost farming for simply two years now yet I am extremely pleased with the development I have actually made. I have actually even connected to the other farmers in Maharashtra, directing them on the exact same," his voice reveals the confidence even on the phone.

I am not self-centered, I know how to share.

"Earlier, with chemical farming, I dealt with a lot of issues. I made use of to generate regarding 13 sacks of rice now it's 20. Enhance in manufacturing is the highlight which is the answer to all the farmers' problems," Ranjith chuckles aloud over the phone, making his extreme joy clear!

It was 2 years back in Nagpur when he welcomed an arbitrary guy who walked around the village talking about chemical-free farming. "I invited him in my area and he began telling me the perks of organic farming. I was thrilled to see a couple of pictures of lands blog post chemical-free farming. Individuals in my community advised me that I am making a mistake and I would certainly repent later on. However, I changed. Now I am miles far from chemicals, only as well delighted to understand their hidden advantages. Improved output, much less financial investment, both in regards to expense and labor, and a significant effect on wellness are a few of the gains that natural farming brought into my life," exclaims Ranjith.

He has a deep feeling of obligation to his fellow-farmers. He has even created a group called 'Mrugdhaara'. "The quality of my organic fruit and vegetables in terms of preference and nutrition boosted significantly. In a few months, the need increased viral, money started streaming and family and friends were quite satisfied," he gleams.

Remarkably, even Zila Parishad heads visited his land asking him about the process and encouraged him to see various other towns to disperse recognition concerning the same.

Speaking of data, Ranjith saves Rs 4,000 each acre more than what he did from chemical farming. The expense and savings vary, as they depend on certain parameters such as environment, soil texture and land health condition. "It is such an advantage to the community farmers that they will certainly increase their farming to one more acre next year. I feel I am blessed and I want others to be luckied as well." Ranjith envisions functioning harder in the future.

An open difficulty.

Another farmer, Ramesh, from Shrirampur Taluka had when tested his fellow farmers to quest for a disease in his one-acre farm of girl fingering however not also a single insect could be discovered! "There are 10 planters now, which have switched over to natural farming." He further goes on to share an additional event, "There was a farmer from Sangli which had a brinjal area which was damaged by chemicals. He called me a month back requesting support. I encouraged to make use of bio-organic remedy called as "Garbage Enzyme" and the remedy functioned so well that he now earns double the money and the brinjals are the best in top quality also," he stated.

Dinesh Chauhan, The Art of Living Teacher and Organic Farming Trainer launched the advertising of natural farming 3 years earlier. Bhaginath Jadhav from Khokar village in Shrirampur Taluka of Ahamadnagar District in Maharashtra had actually begun organic farming in 5 acres of pomegranate land and Jayant Patil is growing banana naturally. Where other farmers spent Rs 70,000 each acre, he could possibly manage input cost merely to Rs 15,000 each acre for pomegranate.

He further claims that also you at Vidarbha (the host of mass suicide in Maharashtra a number of years ago) are now more curious about understanding about chemical-free farming.

A motion for the tough employees.

A farmer puts in his indispensable effort to generate grains to feed us, whether we consume at a tiny roadside stall or a first-class restaurant. Maharashtra is among the states whose farmers today, have actually ended up being an example of just how the effort could be reduced, production raised and the outcome: chemical-free, healthy food!

The land of saints, Maratha warriors, fabulous poets and rich society couldn't be caught in the night of time for long. As its past reviews, it again arose from the collapse only to witness a surge of change. Farmers owe their encounters, profits, joy and happiness and better lives to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, that started the activity in addition to his volunteers, to pass on the method that requires no test. "You need to spend one day in the industry and you will have a lot thankfulness towards these farmers that function so tough to load your belly," Sri Sri stated post his address to one lakh farmers during his current Maharashtra tour.

YOU are the game-changer.

Everybody has a dream. Every person has a belief. Every person has the possible to meet exactly what their picture. India is a land of achievers. These farmers are brand-new participants to the listing of visionaries in rural India. We are their pillar of durability. It's only when we, as individuals, choose to pick a natural apple in the grocery store that a Shelake or a Ranjith would certainly bow down to us in thankfulness for making their joy grow by leaps and bounds!

Writer: Monica Patel, Graphics: Gurudatt Anvekar

Vipassana Meditation

The Technique

Vipassana, which means to see things as they actually are, is just one of India's oldest techniques of meditation. It was discovered by Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago.

This non-sectarian strategy aims for the complete removal of mental contaminations and the resultant greatest joy of complete freedom. Recuperation, not just the reliving of conditions, yet the important recuperation of human suffering, has been its objective.

Vipassana is a means of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which could be experienced straight by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that develop the life of the physical body, and that regularly interconnect and health condition the life of the thoughts. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory quest to the usual origin of body and mind that dissolves psychological impurity, resulting in a well balanced thoughts packed with love and empathy.s

The clinical laws that operate one's ideas, sensations, judgements and sensations penetrate. Via direct experience, the attributes of how one increases or deteriorates, exactly how one creates suffering or relieves oneself from suffering is comprehended. Life ends up being identified by increased recognition, non-delusion, self-control and peace.

The art of living

A group of young artists, theatrepersons, people from other creative industries and college students have come together to form the Art and Culture for Life Movement. “We want to address social issues and channelise the youth’s energy to contribute to social awareness,” explains Sushma Veer, founder. The group’s first such initiative ‘traffic awareness’, a road rally will be held on July 5 in the city.

“From honking, careless driving, accidents to following lane discipline — these are a few issues that will be addressed. These issues will be dealt with using art as a connective medium,” explains Sushma adding, “From caricatures, sketches to performances and skits, the rally promises to be expressive.”

Students from more than six institutes are coming together for this movement. “It’s a small start, but this is just the beginning. Music, art, literature to other forms will be used to communicate the social message. I’ve done a bit of writing for the event,” says Shrya S, student from Jain University.

Sushma, a producer and a creative director is also the founder of the NGO, Akanksha. “I believe that traffic woes disrupt a normal peaceful life. The ‘street’ is where it happens, and what happens there has an impact on a common man’s life.” Adds Tanima, a student and organiser of the event, “We’re holding a dance performance depicting ‘intrusion of space and peace of mind’. There are many such performances that would be held to create awareness.”

Zian C, an actor, who was last seen in the film I Am, will enact a play. “There is an act where the team will work on a skit, telling people to make Bengaluru a better place,” he says. Sushma adds, “A visual experience always leaves a deeper impact. Through this movement, we will also protect and promote indigenous art forms. The rally starts at the NICE road and moves to the other parts of the city.”

Source by:-http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/bengaluru/art-living-249

Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passes away...!

Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passes away...!

NEW DELHI: Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, who was hospitalized on March 28 following problems related to heart and respiration, passed away on Sunday morning.

Former Supreme Court chief justice and Sathya Sai Central Trust member PN Bhagwati announced in a press release that Sai Baba breathed his last at 7.28am.

Baba's body for darshan will be kept at Sai Kulwant Hall on Monday and Tuesday, Sathya Sai Central Trust announced officially.

Preparations for last rites are under way. Four lakh devotees from India and abroad are expected to arrive.



For the first time since Baba was admitted to Sathya Sai Baba super speciality on March 27, the doctors did not issue a morning bulletin on Sunday.

Sathya Sai Central Trust, which runs social service activities in India and abroad, is to hold a media conference at 11 am.

In the Saturday evening bulletin, the doctors had termed Baba's condition as very critical.

Fearing the worst, hundreds of devotees in the town broke down as their hopes for recovery of the 85-year-old spiritual guru appeared to be fading.

Major industries minister Geeta Reddy and senior government officials rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning and were holding meeting with doctors and trust officials before making an announcement.

The state government has gone on high alert.

More than 6,000 policemen were rushed to the town for deployment and to make arrangements for the visits of VIPs.

Article Source:-Timesofindia.com