The Quiet Flow of Words

 The Quiet Flow of Words

This reflective composition explores how learning survives beyond conscious memory. Through images of nourishment, nature, effort, childhood, and flowing words, it considers how forgotten experiences continue to shape thought, character, and creative expression. Writing emerges not only as an act of communication, but also as a quiet search through the layers of the self.

Writing is learning, yet not all we know will come to light.
By practice, concepts must take root before they truly ignite.

What we write may not seem our best, even in our own eyes.
Phrase gathers strewn thoughts as a deeper insight slowly arises.
Content emerges unseen, from fragments gathered & woven.
The pen may flow freely, yet perfection is not easily achieved.

We read countless lives, stories, views, and wisdom beyond recall.
Recent thoughts fade while older ones rest beneath memory’s wall.
They remain buried under layers too deep to uncover, quietly waiting.
To recover them may feel like turning forgotten pages once fading.

Food nourishes us, while waste departs, as life’s quiet rule unfolds.
Energy spent leaves traces unseen, like whispers that passing time holds.
Immediate effects shape us today, while lasting changes find their way.
A fresh diet tomorrow renews the body for yet another day.

A hidden virus may work silently, its time unseen and slow.
But when it matures, its lasting effects are all we finally know.
Good food sustains, and exercise strengthens body & spirit within.
Resources diminish when spent without purpose, balance, or wisdom.

The body seeks variety; minerals and elements nourish it whole.
One narrow diet leaves deficiencies, silently taking their toll.
Balanced meals restore health, blending nature’s gifts with care.
Holistic nurture strengthens the body, purpose, and life we share.

A child’s care begins at birth, and every moment leaves its trace.
Food, affection, and nurture gently shape a growing life with grace.
Yet some events strike harder, beyond our power to control.
Sometimes we can only watch & wait, for silence too has its role.

We improve through learning; careful effort shapes what lies within.
We are stories unfolding, where the present meets what has been.
Generations of instinct and experience influence what we become.
New inputs prepare our being for journeys still waiting to come.

The nearest influences mould us first; their impressions linger near.
Like a fading sound with distance, their force grows less sharp & clear.
Gather close what truly sustains us—wisdom, care, and nature’s best.
Like squirrels storing nuts for winter, we prepare for life’s next test.

Adopting worthy habits strengthens us, while wasted effort divides.
Energy devoted to meaningful work becomes the force that guides.
What was read years ago may rest quietly, hidden yet alive within.
Small reminders awaken it, like repeated taps upon the mind again.

Memory keeps its truths, though not all will rise to shine.
Effort shapes the harvest; growth unfolds in its appointed time.
We choose what seems best; failures teach the lessons we prize.
Through choices both good & bad, a deeper concern may arise.

Can we redeem what we learned through sleepless nights of strain?
Names may fade, thoughts may blur, yet hidden knowledge remains.
Nothing is wasted; the roots of remembered wisdom still hold ground.
The mind quietly stores its truths until their purpose can be found.

One reaches a good stage through learning what others hoped to see.
Hard work rewards the patient, refining what we may yet be.
More sugar sweetens the cup; every input alters what life reveals.
Balance defines success, as measured effort steadies and heals.

Words may flow freely, beyond the conscious mind; they roam.
They rise unbidden, like rivers returning silently to their home.
We write with humility, though storms within each heart may stir.
Striving toward goodness, our words become the seeds of who we are.

We are neither wholly good nor bad, but shaped by unseen hands.
Harsh or gentle, wise or soothing, life moulds where each one stands.
Doubt clouds our worth; missed chances reveal gone possibilities.
Resolve grows through struggle, where wisdom finally finds its voice.

Inner journeys emerge, and silent thoughts break through the flow.
Scattered fragments find their place as deeper truths begin to show.
We may not know our whole selves, yet the pen leads deeper still.
Writing refines us; it shapes the mind and strengthens the will.

Moral: What appears forgotten may still be shaping who we become.

 

Pawan Kumar,

16^th July, 2026, Saturday, Time 8:05 PM (Evening)

(From my Diary dated 22nd November 2019, Friday, Time 8:38 A.M.) 

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📚 More Books by the Author

If you enjoyed this reflection, you may also wish to explore the published works of Pawan Kumar—from Hindi translations of Sanskrit classics to original poetry and philosophical reflections.

📖 महाकवि कालिदास विरचित

(Mahakavi Kalidasa Virachit)

Hindi translations of मेघदूत, ऋतुसंहार एवं कुमारसंभव, presented with care for the spirit and literary richness of the Sanskrit originals.

Available at: Zorba Books  •  Flipkart

📚 कादंबरी — द्वितीय संस्करण

(Kadambari — Second Edition)

A lucid Hindi translation of बाणभट्ट की प्राचीन संस्कृत महाकथा, bringing this celebrated classical work closer to contemporary readers.

Available on Amazon: Paperback  •  Hardcover

🏔️ अन्वेषी यायावर — द्वितीय संस्करण

(Anveshi Yayavar — Second Edition)

A collection of 120 original Hindi poems exploring life, nature, human experience and the inner journey.

Available on Amazon: Paperback  •  Hardbound

🌿 शाश्वत निरूपण — एक समन्वित स्पन्दन

(Shashwat Nirupan — Ek Samanvit Spandan)

A collection of 134 reflective and thought-oriented poems exploring philosophical, social, spiritual and human dimensions of life.

Available on Amazon: Paperback  •  Hardcover

I hope these writings resonate with you. If any of these works interests you, I warmly invite you to explore it and consider adding a copy to your collection. Your readership encourages independent literary work and helps thoughtful writing reach a wider audience.

— Pawan Kumar

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📚 Books by the Author

If you enjoyed this piece, you may also wish to explore my published works.

👉 Explore All My Books

— Pawan Kumar

Picturing Self

 Picturing Self

 

Today is holiday – being Ram Navami, Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s birthday & Baishakhi. Millions of good people take inspiration & make their life’s goals to walk in the paths prescribed by the great persons. I was born somewhat 42 years ago in a small village in Sonepat District. I don’t know whether the Almighty had any scheme in his mind for my incarnation on this earth. I only know self a body of certain stature or skeleton with flesh & skin clad, and a bit sensation called ‘Prana’ infused. A body system keeps it alive by feeding, inhaling & exhaling, locomotion, etc., and a little mind to think which always remain engrossed - at times in essentials and often in unnecessary ignoble too. Almost half life is already spent, and not much is known to it. I don’t know my directions, goals, settings, internal programming of my manufacturing & tasks prescribed. I am just like a computing machine but with no operator in picture, hence almost not-operational or only a little bit is used. There is no use of this sturdily constituted inner machine if not powered & skillfully operated. I am quite numb as don’t know even what I am. Here either the builder or the operator knows who shall put it to use after checking configurations & loading necessary software, a necessary implant. So, a skilled operator is immediately required to avoid uselessness & obsoleteness too as then advance technology will come, and no one likes to work on an old model. Maybe the operator will not know the machine’s constitution & its working.

My writing-purpose here is to explore self in me, where I am hidden – what & where is that? The heart is not a centre of thinking, but is blood-pumping machine with chest-armor alround for its physical safety. It is only described so in the ancient poems. Yes, brain is definitely the centre of thinking, and also the source of realization. It is the master of neurons feeling the body-sensations & thoughts erupted due to reactions between neurons or due to their nature to remain active. Mind thinks necessary & also unnecessary also often when idle. Self-exploration means the concerted effort for unified realization or doing away the mind’s activities from unnecessary wonderings to a focused one. It means the mind-body discipline, and exploring the life’s pitfalls & rises, and analyzing reasons & setting the right future-activities. A man can explore his self’s life - if not full then up to certain extent, and can overcome limitations steadily. Life is great, and should be lived in a worthy way. One can set self in an intelligent class, and improve self’s image in own eyes & of outside world. One can overcome life’s difficulties & lead a life of possibilities, and can do away the negativities, and soothe the outside world. People can know & trust him as an honest, modest, humble, simple, a duty-bond, responsible, responsive & trustworthy learned fellow. He can influence ambiance with positive energy and feel its effects too. World is good often but man being perplexed in own problems, assumes it as troublesome which is wrong. Being self as bad does not mean that everybody is so. Similarly, one should not construe others as inferiors, rather in many cases, they are superior.

Even if I feel self as intelligent then the world is already there, and I am to live here being only the abode. So, leave the thought of the world – it is happy where it is as everyone is responsible towards self & that does not concern me. However, a true self-realization can free a bit of energy for others too. It is better to help people needing due to own reasons. Life’s first aim is to realize self, and then contribute to uplift others. It shall raise the mind’s level, and have a greater sense for self & others. Life is not only a breathing or body’s tasks-machine but much more, however, to learn that requires to go near, find a friend & solace in self. I can forget others & so-called their injustice & enhance my capacities for betterment. I can little bit anticipate the future course of things & possibly influence them by positive intervention for common good. I can stop blaming others, and find proximity with self & start truly respecting others. I can practically implement the best management practices into my working to bring positive results. I can generate a goodwill for self & others and call self a true human being. I can raise ignoble birth status into a learned entity, and positively transform of lives of common people by acts, help, moral support, concerns. I can positively change the people’ opinions for selves & others, and help developing some good citizens really imparting to the future world. I can understand my worth & others’ helps which I still ignore, and rather be truly obliged. I can leave indulging with people in ill-thinking due to illiteracy, physical conditions & wrong environments.

I need to anticipate poor self-esteem. Inappropriate behavior by somebody maybe the result of his / her own mental sickness which needs medication and not the rebuking. Others may need concerns; youngsters need love & not the bashings always. I owe great responsibility towards parents & siblings with whom I grew up. I must help them also, and my motivation / persuasions should pave their ways to knowledge, prosperity & good education. Help people to transform/shape lives & attain life’s unlimited opportunities and gain success. Lead them to go beyond body-limits, and realize some mindfulness in the life. Respect great people of community, and help many to be so. Find time to talk to people, and help them in sailing right paths and fighting odds - mostly self-created social ills. Do something to improve possibilities / opportunities & bring that into use.

I need to raise several questions in day-to-day life, and answer them by brain-storming. Life should be active & not-weeping. Think correct and strategize implementation by abdicating procrastination, being seen in many spheres of life. Make this Today great, take tasks into hand & accomplish. Learn from the process-follies, and resolve not to repeat. There are many unseen numerous wonderful paths. Life has a limited span & energy, but needs be lived fully. Don’t leave its single bit unlived. Fill every moment with greater life, and in all who come into your touch. Often pen down the ideas, and go as deep as possible. Enlighten self by continuing in this path. Mind is great & wonderful when trained in a purposeful channelized way. Speak mind often in pages along with pen. Speak to fellow beings, let them feel your good heart (if so) for them, and do every bit positively for the nation/organization. Be pleased with good intensions and don’t speak ill of others & rather find reasons, if possible, instead of rebuking. Become a forgiving fellow as men act out of their infatuations / habits, and don’t know the correct ways. Be a working fellow, and don’ much bother about others. Be the best worker and produce the excellent results. Behave well & learn from the superiors. Thank God for blessing good mind. Make goals, and do all to accomplish in time. Help superiors in deciding, and clear pendency. Manage things by dividing them into parts & work. Demand work from colleagues without hurting. They should keep good intensions in mind, do happily without feeling pressure taking it as their duty. Make LIFE to live intimately forever, and have intimacy with self & others. Train mind by concentration, and establish self as a good worker. Find more purposes of life more frequently.

 

Pawan Kumar,

13^th December, 2013 Wednesday, Time 00:10 A.M. (Mid Night)

(From my Dairy 14^th April’ 2008, New Delhi Time 4 PM)

Connecting Deeper

Connecting Deeper

 

World squeezes, what to write, things seem hazy and difficult to choose

But something is better than null, whatever is taken up becomes as asset.

 

We have great wealth inside but seldom reveal, unable to go full fathoms

Whatever bit accomplishes by efforts, turns a permanent self’s repository.

Daily conversations are OK but we seldom record, & even tend to forget

We change over time, don’t note even important events & turn oblivions.

 

What best can we take from inside, where many a times darkness is seen

We try hard & find nothing, only the pen supports to scribble something.

Some pictures we see in our minds, but how to describe them is unknown

People claim to be wise & introspective; I do not see such things around.

 

But even then, everything germinates from inside, take it quite seriously

We must try hard with selves; this will reveal secrets we even not know.

Our brains have many hidden layers,  many past histories are safely laid

If we can un-layer them,  tremendous knowledge source will be nearby.

 

Of one such technique Hypnotism is said, one tends to go deeper inside

Transcendental Meditation is also told to a way to connect to deep roots.

In our outer world living,  its issues only surface and we forget true self

Truly, we are nothing but what think & act, expressions are accordingly.

 

In another such technique Vipassana, one steadily sits in a meditation

Hazes then clear after sometimes, a dream like flow starts outpouring.

We initiate to be more with ourselves, and truth starts getting revealed

We can meditate then deeply on given issues, and find better solutions.

 

I too requisite to give some time so as to connect with my deepest inside

Some moments surely ought to be of realization, though gains take time.

Practice better things, correcting one’s time-utilization is very important

Set priorities, keep thought-records, and check progress on regular basis.

 

Pawan Kumar,

28^th May, 2023 Sunday, Time 19.30 Evening

(From Mahendergarh Dairy 8^th February'2018, Thursday 8:36 AM)

People’s Lives and Morning Prayers

People’s Lives and Morning Prayers

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I have just now finished the story 'अरमान' from the book 'गूंगे सुर बाँसुरी के' by Sh. Pannalal Patel, a very famous Gujarati story-writer. This is a compilation of stories translated in Hindi by other persons. His style of writing is very much touching. He goes deep into human psychology and tries to explore the best. He emphasizes that people in general are very innocent, and a vibrant life is filled in ordinary peoples’ lives. Further they are able to correct selves if sometimes there are mistakes. They enjoy life, feel it, weep it and live it fully. In fact we become too sophisticated over the time, and don’t care other people’s psychology or perspectives, and this is sad. Inter-dialogue is an important thing, and able to negotiate a way. We shouldn’t scratch a permanent line in the relations, and realise that within deep of us, a pure human being is hidden. Only thing required is to explore that and respect. A big question is how to become the best and desire the best from others? But we must first respect others - behave properly so that they also realize their actual positions & potentials. We must come on their platform, brood their situation, and must not expect a sea-change in a little time. We should keep enough patience so as to achieve full benefits. But we must also realize the actual facts & forces acting behind a phenomenon and then judge the importance of that event in our arena and decide what to act and how to act.

Today’s day was passed in office work only. Since last few days, I have started going morning walk up to the ‘Pastor House’ on hill above Tripura Castle of Shillong, where I am posted. It is sun’s morning here, I take exercise and concentrate on nothingness and then meditate on knowledge-goddess ‘Saraswati’. I pray her to bless with right knowledge, right attitude, right resolve and right action. I pray to help in understanding the complete issues of nature in a simple way; enrich memory and fill dedication in me in all spheres of life taken up as activity. I wish to be blessed with curiosity, tirelessness and always knowledge-pursuing. There are many questions about self, surroundings, terrestrial/extra-terrestrial etc. Spheres are many – I try to find answers. O Ma Saraswati, bless, bless me, I am quite a novice & simpleton. You have blessed even the most forgetful persons. With your pity, the whole darkness of mind shatters and one can enter into something another world where happiness is borne in the heart. Such is the realization of internal ecstasy. O Ma Saraswati, I can’t succeed without your grace. Kindly grant buddhi (knowledge) so that I may know priorities, and bless courage so that I can work upon them. You can only support me. Ma, I am unable to tolerate many a times – you raise me in own eyes. Please persuade so that I can do something remarkable of some essence. Life can extend with your blessings only; a life lived without its feeling is worthless. With your pity only, I can stand on own feet. I am not able to listen the music of heart, your Veena. Ma, please tell how to be your devotee, pupil, son & worthy of your blessings. My tongue is sewed quietly and I am not able to speak. Or even if I speak, that is not of much value. With your prasada (compassion) only, I may be good at speech. My pen is not able to write good words, Ma, bless me. Do away my mind from evils so that I can think best of the possible best. Right, appropriate and complete knowledge are the targets. Make me sit to the job, and persuade to work hard. My only wish is to be a sincere child of your school, going to right sources for seeking knowledge. Please bless with vinaya (submissiveness) for gaining vidya (right knowledge), and snatch from useless & bad dialogues. Enable to realize priorities in life, respecting knowledgeable and able to sit in their feet for attaining true knowledge. Please do away my laziness and mind’s tiredness to make experience ‘true consciousness’. O Ma, please help & bless me.

Your son,

Pawan Kumar,

27^th August, 2016 Time 22:51 Night

(From my Shillong Dairy 5^th February, 2001 Midnight)

Republic Day in Shillong

Republic Day in Shillong

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Today was Republic Day i.e. 26th January of 2000. The country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the day after completion of 50 years of adoption of Indian Constitution on 26th January' 1950. While the whole country was busy in celebrating this national day, here in Shillong the curfew was imposed since yesterday's 5PM to morning of 27th January. Reason is that the locals don't want to celebrate the India's national day festival and they imposed curfew. People tell that such incidents are common on 15th August and 26th January every year. People  of the country should be allowed to move freely on all the days as the fundamental rights are granted to them by the Constitution. The state governments also seems to not interfere much for fear of worsening situation. 

Last Friday & Saturday, the PM Mr. Atal Bihari Bajpayee had been here in Shillong with his team. He met Chief Ministers and Governors of these seven states and of Sikkim, and has granted a package of Rs. 217 Crore for the development of the region. Because the insurgency or subversive activities are inversely proportion to development, it is felt that there would be improvement in law & order situation in the region, and people will enjoy more freedom and the rights enshrined in the constitution. The people in these states are mainly tribal. Though very innocents. lately they are slowly becoming conscious. Consciousness about one's present situation and finding ways for its improvement is a very good sign but by threatening outsiders and stalling development activities makes only adverse impact. Last days, terrorists killed one senior government officer in Manipur for the reasons not known. In pockets there are rumors of extortion. In such situations, doing business becomes difficult. 

By what means people can think development to come to this region? This region is on the rapid way to attain literacy. Mizoram is the state having highest literacy rate (%) in the country, and there is no militancy nowadays. Shillong city's literacy rate must also be not less than 80% but the curfews are imposed here. Yes, there may be some genuine demands of the people but stopping people celebrating national day is a matter of concern. People fear to come out in open this day and unfurling flag becomes a crime in the eyes of curfew-imposers. What is the solution to curb such tendencies? Govt. should employ strong law & order  and mobilize the local population to curb such activities. The educational system should inculcate the spirit of nationalism and patriotism right from beginning with emphasis to integrate the young blood into national mainstream. Also it should pursue some NGOs to start welfare oriented nation-building activities. Today evening I saw three boys of age around 15-16 years smoking some intoxicant or narcotic. What will be the future of the state of the country or state when its young is sunk in drugs, narcotics and very worldly passions. And perhaps in north-east narco-terrorism is the main reason for subversive activities. 

One hope coming to mind is to use the services of the church and missionaries to convince people to come into Indian mainstream as this will entail them more benefits.  This area is catholic Christianity-dominated and people have great respect and faith in the church. The missionary people have brought much development in this area, and they can sincerely motivate the people. Moreover, the out-siders posted / business men should try to win the confidence of the locals so that they consider them not as aliens but the agents to help in development. The main thing is to present sincerity of the motives besides improved law & order situation. The development of the area with honest means and focus to bring the people to come into mainstream  will help in long run.

Pawan Kumar,

12th April' 2014 Time 23:24 Night

(From Dairy 26.01.2000 midnight)