There comes a phase in life, at least once in a lifetime, when one finds himsef/herself totally alone...so utterly alone that one must withdraw into one's innermost self. there is no other option but to endure that bitter suffering. When one overcomes that overpowering solitude, one is no longer alone. Through this solitude and the soul searching, we find that our innermost self is the divine spark of life, the indivisible spirit that comes from the Supreme Power - God. And after that moment of self-realization, the awakening from material world, we find ourselves in the midst of the chaos of this world, and yet totally undisturbed by its multiplicity, fully in sync and accepting the world as is - because our innermost soul we know ourselves to be one with all being.

More Quotes by Deodatta V. Shenai-Khatkhate

Sharing a strange experience from my student years at Manchester, England, during late 1970's. I had just arrived in England from India, and was searching for an accommodation, basically a room to rent. I always used to call the English landlords by phnoe first, to ensure that a room was available, and then visit those addresses, located miles away, by taking the bus or a train. Upon my arrival, I was always told that either there was no room at all or that the room was just rented. After a dozen or so such frustrating experiences, it became clear to me that the room was always available - but those English landlords and landladies were reluctant to rent it to someone like me, an Indian or a non-white person. Interestingly, the room was always available to my voice on the phone, because my voice could not reveal either my skin color, or my race, or my national origin. The mystery was thus dispelled, and yet that realization was surely a rude awakening to the true color of English society. It was my first encounter with prejudice and discrimination, and the most shocking moment that shatters one's innocence completely - especially after coming from a noble culture and the best upbringing that takes pride in Equality. I shall always remain thankful to England for the best education that I received during my M.S. and Ph.D., as much as for such exposure to the dark side of the real world. Years later, after coming to America, I realized that America is a whole new wonderful world that welcomes all, and treats everyone with respect and dignity they deserve. God Bless America!