We are living in troubled times. Ever since the onset of the global economic crisis close on the heels of the sub prime lending crisis in the US(2007-08) and the subsequent soverign European Debt crisis(2010) , not to speak of the ongoing currency convulsions and stock market turmoil in china and its spillover to the rest of the world  the plausible reversal of soft interest regime in the US ,the entry of recession into Brazi and so on, the world economy is vastly different  today than ever it was.

 While growth engines such as consumption investment and net export are not in good shape in china they are somewhat in a revival mode here  and India continues to be one of the fastest growing countries in the world with all its transient problems and contradictions.The election fever for a few state Assemblies has begun which in all probability  will raise more noise and provide fun like cricket  -all sound and fury and signifying nothing for the majority of population. We can be proud that we have a functioning democracy and God alone knows the costs and benefits. Its use value to the poor and weak

As the recession has come to stay in major segments of the world economy it is also deeper in our hearts and mind. Real and serene happiness elude. In our stupidies and sometimes misplaced arrogance we demand and command love as if it can be forced and squeezed. When it is not available on 24x7 basis out of sheer frustration we use words and write love poems in an intimidating tone without realizing that words are loaded pistols and that will only backfire. Yes we sulk and sink in the bottom of suffering because of ignorance and excess love and attachment. It is indeed a tragedy that in a discussion or conversation there is always domination by one side ; and sometimes we tend to  forget that  we should speak only when spoken to and silence is the best language.

I have realized from my experience that I have been more democratic and more friendly, more adjusting with people I have moved with  ; the time has come now I must moderate and calibrate relationship. We are not playing any ball game to score point and win  . we face events and incidents as they evolve  and we must have maturity to see  the cause and effects  ;even life partners cannot take any risk in giving a slap or indulge in the luxury of deploying harsh words lest  the sword of divorce will effortlessly fall at the earliest provocation.

We shall listen to  the xiv Dalai Lama: Instead of getting angry nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such  trying circumstances  they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.