There are some risks that you hardly see inthe heat and dust of active investment.But they are very much present; you do

not perceive them simply because they are tooclose they lie hidden within you. You do riskscans on the investment products you plan tobuy, you scout for risks in the companies, youprobe risks in the volatile markets and theeconomy in the rough seas. But seldom do youlook within : am I harbouring some risks in myownmind that can bring despair to me ? Butoften these prove to be the worst risks, as they

make amockery of the best of your investmentstrategies and all your efforts.Probably the biggest of such risks is dying

without having enjoyed the fruits of yourinvestment. Could there be amore stupid thing? The whole morning you have been sweating itout in the kitchen cooking the most deliciousChicken Dum Byriani you have ever eaten. Youhave searched for the best recipe; you havechosen the best of the ingredients; you havemeticulously gone through the tedious proce-dure. And then you are not there to eat it !The next such risk, and closely connected

with the above, is : Even when the byriani isready, your heart is still in the kitchen; you do

not have the appetite to eat it !Youmay get so engrossed inearning and saving and earn-ing on it, that you just forget howto spend what you have earned.Jaane bhi do yaaro, take a holidayin Switzerland ! There aredays to earn, and thenthere are days tospend; where to stop

earning and where tobegin enjoying the earn-ings, is the key to happi-ness.The simple rule is the

norm of sufficiency.When your childrenare well settled andyou have provided

enough for your old age, what remains behindis redundant.Why struggle to earn somethingwhich can add nothing to your happiness ?None of us can carry over the balance to thenext life !When going is good, you should not forget

about the bad that can happen; do not worryabout it, but just provide for it. Things can gowrong any time; and theymostly go wrong atthe wrong time. You need to insure yourselfagainst anymishaps - accidents, illness, loss,etc; and insure your family against your death.But a note of caution is in order here : do notinsure your tomorrow at the cost of your today;that is, pay somuch for the insurance that you

do nothave suffi-

cient to live on.It is a commonmistake to

confuse insurance for invest-ment; insurance is not invest-ment. The purpose of invest-ment is to carry your presentearnings into future for futurespending; and to use the sav-

ings from yourcurrent earnings

to boost your futureincome. Insurance

has an entirely differentpurpose. It is a cover

against financial distress to protect yourfinancial well being against adverse events. Onecannot be used in place of the other. Insuranceis based on the pooling principle; those wholive long pay for those who die early. So it is azero sum game; it cannot give you any earn-ings.Why insurancemay sometimes look likeinvestment is because in Endowment Policies(which includeMoney Back and ULIP policies)investment and insurance are bundled togeth-er. Keep away from such policies. The reason isvery simple : an insurance company is best atmanaging risk not investment. So leave yourinvestment management to someone who doesit better.

When investing, do not make themistake ofmissing the big picture; it is very easy to miss it,given all the noise in themedia that surroundsus. For instance, when you are choosing anMFscheme to invest in, what is your prime con-cern ? Obviously a good return with a suitablerisk. But if you are distracted with somethinglike the commission that your agent gets, youcan easily lose your focus. Keep the focus onyourself :What am I likely to gain from thisinvestment ? Howmuch risk will I be taking forthat ? Am I comfortable with that risk ? Doesthe investment offer me liquidity that I need ?Is the return I am likely to get the best for thatlevel of risk and liquidity ? Thats all that mat-ters. Baki sab bakhwas hai. Consider the essen-tials and ignore the rest.Something that one often tends to forget is

the impact of inflation on investment calcula-tions. Inflation affects your investment in twoways : one, it distorts the value of your targetsum. You work out your future requirements,and accordingly save to build up the target

corpus. But if you have not taken inflationinto account, the corpus you end up withmay fall short of your requirements. Two, itrenders unreal your rate of return.When youlook at a rate of return, it may look attractive;but inflation may eat away the best part of it.So adjust the rate for inflation to get a realisticfeel simply deduct the expected rate ofinflation from the expected rate of return.Similarly, you can get a realistic estimate ofthe corpus by using this inflation correctedrate of return for calculation, instead of theraw rate.In short, when you invest, let it be a well con-

sidered decision. Do not treat investment casu-ally. For investment is for life; not the other wayround. Put your entire life in perspective, andinvest for it. Just two important questions youneed to ask yourself when you invest : Howmuch do I need to invest to achieve my goals oflife ? And how do I do that ? Perhaps there isnothing more to investment than this. Happyinvesting; happy life!

Everybody is generally happy. Butthe problem comes when a prob-lem comes! And then the boxing

match starts. This is a two-waymatch:we try to overpower and solve theproblem. At the same time, the prob-lem can harm us, make us unhappy.The problem can be anything: fear offailure in exam, financial problems,career dissatisfaction, interpersonalproblems, sickness or death in thefamily etc.So, what is the final outcome? Do we

come out happy and strong or do weend up being unhappy (sad, fearful orangry)? It is important to recognizethat most of this battle happens in ourmind. And the final outcome happi-ness or unhappiness happens in themind, too. Hence, by understandingthe dynamics, we can determine theoutcome.Simple logic tells us that if we solve

the problem, wewill become happy.And if we are unable to solve the prob-lem, wewill become unhappy. But thisisnt always the case. Suppose, someoneinsults you. If the person admits themistake and apologizes, youwillbecome happy. If the person does notdo this, youwill remain unhappy. Is itso? Not always. It is possible that even ifthe person apologizes, youmay keepremembering the unhappiness andremain unhappy for a long time. It isalso possible that even if the persondoes not apologize, you can remain

strong and get onwith your life happily.One half of this boxingmatch is what

we do to the problem: Solve the prob-lem, or at least reduce the severity andtake steps to ensure that the problemdoes not recur in future.Youmust have observed that some

people are better at solving problemsthan others problems such as exams,interpersonal problems etc.What isthe difference between these twogroups of people? Is it the physicalstrength - the size of the biceps? No.The difference is in the mindset theattributes of the mind. If we under-stand these abilities, we can learnthem.Themost important ability is remain-

ing calm in themiddle of problem situ-ations.Whenever we realize that wehave a problem, the first reaction is thatwe become unhappy - sad, fearful,angry. For example, when a studentrealizes that hemay not dowell in anexam, the first reaction is fear. Howeverwe seemany students who remain anx-ious for a long time and are unable toconcentrate on studies. This worsensthe situation, increasing the chances ofdoing poorly in the exam. Hence, thefirst step in solving a problem is tobecome calm. It is easier said thandone. But it can be done. There arevarious techniques for removing thenegative emotions; techniques thatcan be learnt.We will discuss them infuture articles in this series.

A calmmind offers several advan-tages: it can think of more facets of thesituation whereas the emotional mindcan hold only a few facets. For exam-ple, while tackling interpersonal prob-lems, the calmmind can think of manyrelated events, people and differentoptions before deciding on an actionplan. The emotional person takes deci-sions based on few emotional facetsand hence has a less chance of tacklingthe problems well.The calm person has more patience

while the emotional person rushesinto actions. For example, a youngchild is having difficulties while learn-ing to do some activity (such as tyingshoe laces). The calm person willpatiently observe and teach the child.The emotional person will have anemotional outburst quickly.The calm person has better empathy.

The emotional personsmind is soclouded by the emotions that he can-not perceive what is going on in otherpeoplesminds. Hence the calm personcan tackle interpersonal problems bet-ter. The other half of the boxingmatchis what the problem does to you. Some-times the problem leaves the emotion-ally shaken even if the problem getssolved. For example, a personmay facethe possibility of losing his job. Thisexperiencemaymake the person fear-ful or bitter even if hemanages toretain the job. This typically happens ifthe person keeps on brooding aboutthe unpleasant experiences.The person with the happymindset

understands that problems are a partof every persons life and that they areto be taken in the stride. So this persontries to learn from the problem, ishappy that the problem is solved andthen gets on with the life. Even if theproblem is unsolvable (e.g. death of adear one), the calm person overcomesthe distress and gets back to living aproductive life. So, by acquiring thecalm and happymindset, we can tack-le the problems better and not allowthe problems to damage our mind.

ss.bakhle@gmail.com

When the level of Pitta falls inthe body, there is a correspon-ding reduction in the digestive

power, low body temperature, color andluster in the skin, and also an increasedsensitivity to cold. There is a slowingdown of the body processes controlledby Pitta. In this condition, regular intakeof Pitta increasing foods andmedicinesare useful, especially those predomi-nant in the fire element. Similarly,herbal preparations which increase thedigestive fire should be administered.These aremainly items that are pun-gent, spicy, sour and salty in taste. Inaddition, such a lifestyle is recommend-edwhich helps to aggravate Pitta dosa.

SamaandNiramaPittaWhen pittamixes with dma (sdma), it

ferments and changes into a sour-smelling, heavy, blackish or greenishliquid, which does not easilymix withwater and other liquids. In this condi-tion, sour eructation (acidity), heartburn and burning in the throat andchest are experienced. On sufferingfrom Sama Pitta, foods with bitter tasteshould be consumed to remove thedma.When Pitta is without dma (nira-ma) it is very pungent, hot, bitter intaste, red or yellow in color andmixeseasily in water. It increases the interestin food, appetite and digestion.Whensuffering fromNirama Pitta, sweet andastringent substances should be takenin order to pacify it.

KaphaDosa or Slesma: thethemeof structure (stability)and lubrication (cohesion)

Kapha is derived from Sanskrit. Kenajalena phalati nispadhyate iti kaphahmeans that which originates fromwater while slesma slishyati iti slesma,maens that which joins together andbrings about cohesion.' Often Kapha istranslated asmucus or phlegm, whichis an important part of Kapha, particu-larly in disease, but Kapha ismuchmore than that. Il represents the sourceof potential energy in the body.Kapha dosa provides nourishment to

all parts of the body and regulates theother two dosas, Pitta andVata. Kaphaprovidesmoistness, oiliness andsmoothness to the body organs. It lubri-cates and connects the joints andbones, increases libido, strength, enthu-siasm, heals wounds, improves immu-nity, provides energy formental andphysical labor, and regulates patience,knowledge, wisdom andmental bal-

ance. Kapha is also the primary causefor sleep, lethargy and inertia (tamas).When there is an increase in heat due toPitta or dryness due loVata, thenKapha, by increasing the secretion ofoily and smooth fluids, protects the tis-sues fromdamage.There is a corresponding increase in

opposing dosas, Pitta andVata, if Kaphadecreases. This results in damage to thedhatus (tissues) by the heat of Pitta, andaccumulation ofVata causes drynessand lightness in the dhatus, joints, heartand other body parts. However, in nor-mal conditions when Kapha is in bal-ance, it nourishes all the cells and bodi-ly constituents, strengthens them anddoes not provide space for the flow ofVata. The five types of Kapha accordingto their locations and functions are: Kledaka - that whichmoistens thefood in the stomach to break it up. Avalamhaka - that whichmaintainsbody fluids and physical stamina; pro-tects and fortifies the heart. Bodhaka - that which controls thetaste and sharpens taste perception. Tarpaka - that which ensures thewell-being of sense organs. Slesaka- that which connects andlubricates the joints of the body andaids in all movements.To keep these five types of Kapha in

their right function is important formanaging the Kapha dosa. There aretwenty types of Kapha diseases, thefewest of all the dosas. In order ofimportance, sequentially Kapha isplaced last. Following is the descriptionof its various aspects.

Natural attributes of KaphaKapha is heavy, cold, soft, oily, sweet,

firm and viscous in its natural attrib-utes'". Besides it is dull, stable, moistandwhite in qualities. People withdominant Kapha dimhave a Kapha-type bodymakeup. The followingeffects of Kaphamanifest in a Kapha-type constitution. People with Kaphaconstitution usually have an abun-dance of strength,material wealth,knowledge, power and peace. Theymost commonly have a long life-span.However, this depends upon themmanaging their weight. Obesity canneutralize all the good qualities ofKapha dosa andmake themmore sus-ceptible to disease and reduces longevi-ty. Their qualities arcmentioned inTable 5.

(Excerpted from the book A PracticalApproach To The Science Of Ayurveda:

A Comprehensive GuideFor Healthy Living authored by Acharya

Balkrishna)

Symptoms of low levelof Pitta and its treatment

w w w . f r e e p r e s s j o u r n a l . i n

WHEN YOU INVEST, LET IT BE A WELL CONSIDERED DECISION. DO NOTTREAT INVESTMENT CASUALLY. FOR INVESTMENT IS FOR LIFE; NOT THEOTHER WAY ROUND. PUT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE, AND INVEST

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weekend8 LIFESUNDAY | DECEMBER 13, 2015

Planning

HIDDENRISK

THE

Tensing Rodrigues says while

investing remember that when

things go awry; do not worry about

it, but just provide for it.

You versus Problems:THE BOXING MATCHDR. SHRIRANG BAKHLE says that by acquiring a calm

and happy mindset, we can tackle the problems better

and not allow the problems to damage our mind.

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Gurutd (Heaviness)

Sitalata (Coolness)

Mrduta (Softness)

Snigdhata (Smoothness)

Madhurata (Sweetness)

Sthiratd (Stability orSteadiness)

Picchilata (Viscousness orStickiness)

Drdhata (Firmness)

Ghanatd (Denseness)

Mandata (Dullness orSlowness)

Slaksnata (Oiliness)

Firm and steady gait; heavy digestion.

Low appetite and reduced thirst, low perspiration andreduced feeling of heat.

Pleasing appearance, soft skin and hair, soft manners, softlook in the eyes; cheerful, beautiful; tenderness and clarityof complexion.

Smoothness in body organs and tissues.

Increase in quantity of semen.

Slow initiation of actions, slow manifestation of seriousillnesses.

Firmness, stability and lubrication in tissues and joints;well-built and beautiful.

Compactness, strength and firmness in the body.

Plumpness and tendency towards obesity; well-built bodyand sturdy muscles.

Slow in action, lack of physical activities; deliberatethinking.

Oiliness in body organs and tissues.

Attributes of Kapha and their Effect on Physiology

S.No. Attributes Physiological Manifestations