A time to live and time to die.

Life imitates art or can art imitate life, whatever the answer is, two movies that left a lasting impression on me were “Bucket List” and “Manhattan”! Though the genres in both were different there is a common thread. In Bucket List, Edward Cole a caustic millionaire who has led a life of indulgence and Carter Chambers a quite God fearing mechanic have nothing in common but their terminal illness. They come together and make a list of things they want to do before they die (kick the bucket). They learn from each other and do the positive things they always wanted to do. In Manhattan the movie traces the poignant relationship between Ike (Woody Allen) and Tracy in New York. In a soliloquy Ike asks himself about the ten wonderful things that make life worth living. Many of us have our secret list of the things we want to do before dying, tucked away in the innermost recesses of our heart. We postpone these things in our mundane lives. It is only when we view our own sense of mortality that we realize inaction in our actions. Then we see things in a proper perspective; feel the urges and desires you always subdued. If you are brave enough, you will open your heart let go your trepidations and do the things that make life worth living. Encompass the incredible energy of the Universe, touch base with your deepest desires, banish the fear of what society will say. Each one will have his own bucket list, the adventure, the best restaurant, you will be surprised at the number of things each one of us wants to do. Capture the magic of a relationship with the person that obsessed you in the privacy of your most lonely movements. You only live once! but will die a million deaths if you cannot fulfill your dynamic dreams in this passing illusion of life. Otherwise darkness will envelope you and life will not be worth living!-Vinay

Most people, who are not religious extremists, still tend to incline towards one side or religion. Faith apart from religion manifests itself in stock markets and financial markets too, where there are followers of Nouriel Rubini and others who follow ‘’the oracle of Omaha” Warren Buffet. Fund managers are the high priests of finance with their own following, offering eternal salvation and rewards to those who believe in their prophecy and doctrinal advice. Religion is largely a matter of beliefs, but followers of Mammon also have their own faith system and believe the analysts and fund managers’ reports as their gospel, in search of temporal dividends. Being open minded to and dealing intelligently with all types of preaching’s, prophecies and even criticism, would enable the rational seeker not merely improve him, but obviate souring the beliefs of others.
Many blindly believed the radio preacher Harold Camping who forecast the Apocalypse on 21st May 2011, without questioning the scientific testable propositions involved.
Is free will then an illusion, if every act of ours is determined by external influences, how can we be blamed if we make mistakes or follow the wrong beliefs or advice we receive.
One should be able to determine instinctively the right approach to different belief systems. Constructive decisions or criticism is a multifaceted tool and if used properly enables the true seeker to get rid of the cobwebs of ignorance and not succumb to mere perceptions. Evolving an approach that would not be merely right but is also beneficial to one and all others and their belief systems is the key and has to be cultivated assiduously.
The real answer and danger lies or lurks in our minds. ---Vinay