Original Hindi by Mukul Kanitkar

Translated by Deepak Khaire

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 Contents

Foreword 3

Play 1 Exam………is a game! 5

Play 2 Life is an exam 9

Play 3 Yes I can 16

Play 4 What is Self-Confidence? 19

Play 5 Scientific method of study 23

Play 6 Self-confidence 27

Play 7 You will remember 32

Play 8 Memory: Retention 37

Play 9 Memory: Recall 39

Play 10 Concentration 45

Play 11 Defocusing 50

Play 12 Enemies of Concentration 60

Play 13 Full use of time 64

Play 14 Energy cycle 67

Afterword 71

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 Foreword

What? Without any stress, like a game happily one can face exams? Can
be successful in it too..……happily?

Yes! This is not only possible, but easy too! You only have to believe - on
us and more importantly on your own self. You are facing exam not for
the first time. What you are doing since the age of four at least thrice in a
year, what is there to be scared of? Even then, this book will give you
courage. It will give you the strength to fight……happily !

Yes! We know what we are talking about. For the last 12 years, we are
seeing thousands of students getting benefitted through hundreds of
these workshops. Of course, the proportion of success depends on the
practice, persistence and belief. If one gives regular attention, success is
guaranteed……happily!

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No! Only reading this book will not work. You have to practice what is
given here. If you have participated in this workshop, this book will help
your memory. But if you are reading it for the first time, then contact your
nearest Vivekananda Kendra branch center at the earliest and get
guidance from the trained experts and then act. ……happily!

Om! When we think about it, we find that each one has to face exams.
That too not only during the student-life but lifelong! With the prayers
for getting through all the exams of life gloriously, this book is being
graciously offered to you……happily!

Shri! With the grace of God, this first edition is being published. We hope
the readers will receive it well and love it …..……happily !

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Play 1

Exam…..is a game
Friends! Exams are so frightening! So stressful! One friend fell sick,
another got dysentery and yet another starts vomiting! Such chaos is in
body and in the home/family too! Parents are worried, relatives are
concerned! The entire home is turned upside-down. Don’t do this! Switch
off the T.V.! Don’t make noise! Etc, etc.

Why such fear? Why such stress? Students must make a habit of asking
“Why?” of everything. Now think about this - We have been giving a
number of exams, but have you ever asked - Why we give exams?

When this question was asked during the hundreds of “Exams Preparation
Workshops” conducted by Vivekananda Kendra during last many years,
several answers popped up:

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The first answer was - ‘To succeed’. We have related success with exams.
Society, family, relatives relate the success in exam with the success in
life. This puts extra pressure on the students. In fact, such a relation is not
true. Success in exam is not directly related to success in life.

Let us take the example of Sachin Tendulkar - the hero of the youth and
the most successful person. He has not yet passed his 12th class exam. Has
that made any impact on his success in life?

Look at the professionals. When we go to a doctor, do we ever ask for his

mark sheet before consulting? The reputation of a doctor or advocate
depends on his professional success rather than on the success of his
M.B.B.S. or LL. B exam.

Friends! We know you are very rational and will want to say that the
professional success of the doctor or advocate depends on the knowledge
gained by him during his academic years.

Now we come to the second answer to the question - ‘Why Exams?’ Many
students reply -‘For the evaluation of knowledge’. Through exams our
knowledge is evaluated. Let us examine this statement in the light of
facts. You appear for exams of many subjects. Let us take the example of
mathematics. The entire knowledge in the world of a particular subject
cannot be included in one year’s syllabus. And only a tiny portion of it is in
our syllabus. Now, does that tiny part also gets totally evaluated in the
exam? There are several possible problems in the mathematics syllabus.
Do all get asked in the exams? It is not possible. Even if an efficient
teacher tries to ask questions relating to all the topics, he can cover at the
most 20% of the syllabus in the exam through questions. The question
paper has options too, and even if you score just 35% marks, you are
declared successful. Now, if knowing such a tiny portion of the entire
knowledge can give success in the exam, can such an exam evaluate your
knowledge?

What you write in exams will fetch you marks. If a student prepares for 10
questions, and in the exam questions are asked amongst those 10

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questions, he will get good marks. Though may not know the major
portion of the syllabus.

Exams are just for evaluating your memory power. Memorizing does not
mean that it has been understood or its knowledge has been gained. That
is why many students forget the topics immediately after the exam,
because these exams are based on information, not on knowledge.

We analyzed two common answers to the question - ‘Why exams?’ After

discussion we found that both answers are not true in all situations. These
false beliefs have increased the fear of exams. When the student starts
believing that 1. Exams are for evaluating my knowledge 2. Success in
exam is success in life - then undue pressure sets on him. He is unable to
face exams with his natural capacity. And this generates fear and stress.

To complete a work with ease, the objective must be clear. Without

knowing the answer to “Why exam?’ it is not possible to face exam in the
right way.

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‘Why do we give exam?’ What will be the simple answer to it? One will be
- ‘to pass’. Still simpler answer will be ‘because universities, board, schools
or colleges conduct exams’!

This is the only truth. Friends! Just think, if exams of the entire year are
cancelled, we will be happy or sad? Definitely we will be happy. Hardly
any student will go on hunger strike demanding exam. What does it
mean? It means we give exams because we have to, and if we can get
success without it, we will be overjoyed. Now, can a work done by
compulsion ever be best?

This is exam related third false belief, which makes exams terrifying.
Removing this false belief is very important. Actually, the true meaning of
exam is to test. This is must for character development. Exam’s
preparation gives immense happiness when we look at it as a game. In
game, we have to prepare, practice and then in the competition, play
skillfully too.

Exam too is a game - In limited time, the prescribed syllabus in the form of
question paper is to be crossed over. All the rules are clear to us. Now
this game is to be played with sporting spirit. With pleasure and happily!
As in a limited over match, in certain number of balls maximum runs are
to be scored. Similarly in the exam, the purpose is to score maximum
marks in the given limited time.

Removing all the false beliefs of the exam, if we consider it a game, then
this attitude will develop our capacity. We can study with more
happiness. The entire life is dependent on our attitude. The attitude
gained through sporting spirit help students to apply full capacity in the
exam and in life too.

In the following chapters, development of all the essential capacities for

this game is discussed. To understand the coming chapters, it is important
first to change our attitude towards exam to sporting spirit. Then
following the way given in this book, you can become an expert player in

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the game of exam. Then definitely success will be yours - in scoring marks
and in gaining knowledge too………!

Play 2

Life is an exam…..
Why only exam? If we see with the right point of view, entire life is a
game. It’s a challenge and without it life will be so dull. Man is happy
when confronting challenges. Today all the development that we see
around is the result of this tendency of man. If everything is made easily
available, if all challenges end, still then we will create challenge, even if it
is for entertainment.

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 Challenge is necessary

Once, an Arab Sheikh went to see a football match. He knew nothing

about the game. After a while, he asked his friend, who had dragged him
to the match, ‘How much does this football costs?’ After knowing the
price of the football he said, ‘How poor this players are? They cannot buy
even such a cheap ball? All 22 players are running after one ball. Let us
give one ball to each player and end the fight.’

Friends! If there are 22 footballs, will there be any thrill in the game? To
get control over the one ball and strike goal on opposite team - in this
challenge alone the thrill of football game lies. For this thrill alone, lakhs
of spectators watch it.

Student life is a preparation of upcoming life-struggle. That is why in

every step the challenge of exam is placed before us so that we can
practice for life. When the exams during the student life are meant for
the entire life, then what material is given in this book for its preparation
must be useful for the entire life also. This is our objective. So, you may
know that when this book says “Let us play exam! exam!!” then it means
not only school-college exams, but every exam of life, every challenge of
life.

Competition

When we talk about challenges in life, our mind is drawn towards the
competitions everywhere. In study too we are in the same cut throat
competition. We compete with our class mates. Friendship is replaced by
competition. Then we hide our study notes from our friends. In the race
to beat each other, we become more stressed. Competition is already
there for marks.

One girl got more than 76% in her Post Graduate exam,

still she was not satisfied.

“Did you expect even more marks?”

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 “No! I had expected 75% marks only.”

“Then even after getting more than expected marks,

why you are not so happy?”

Further prodding revealed that her friend had got 78%.

“But you both are good friends. Then shouldn’t you be happy that your
friend got better marks?

See the result of competition! Marks lost, and also the purity of
friendship. This is the state after the result. But competition happens in
efforts also.

Harsh was preparing seriously for his board exam. Father would wake him
up at 4.30 every morning. Since then only study, tuition, school, again
study. One day his father came to know that Harsh is in stress. Now he
wants to get up at 4.00 and start studying. ‘Why?’ Because his friend
Jitendra is studying more than him! In this stress Harsh’s studies stopped!
Because either tension will be there or study. If you want to leave stress
and focus on study, you must change your attitude. Focus on your study,
not on others.

The secret behind the victory of the tortoise

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We know the story of ‘Rabbit and the Tortoise’ since our childhood. New
generation has added three more parts to this story. We will try to
understand the original story in more ways. We are told that the rabbit
always runs faster so he was over confident. He had lost his aim, started
eating-drinking- merrymaking, and then slept. Tortoise persisted in his
run, and even with slow speed and less capacity, finally won the race. The
gist of the story is: ‘slow and steady wins the race.’

Let us first see why rabbit lost? We know it was due to over confidence.
He thought, ‘I run so fast, this tortoise can never beat me’. It’s true.
Tortoise can never beat a rabbit in running speed and capacity, except
perhaps in moral story. Then why rabbit lost? Why became lazy? Friends!
Just think, if he had race with a faster animal, say deer, then would he be
lazy? Never. In the present story, rabbit lost because he did Competition
- competition with others.

On the other hand, let us see tortoise. What he thought? If he had even
once thought whether he can compete with the rabbit, he would have
lost then and there. Race would have ended before it began. He might
have thought, ‘in any case there is no chance of winning, why not I test
my capacity? Come what may, I will complete the race’. He competed
with his own capacity, and not with rabbit.

So we find that rabbit lost because he competed with others, And tortoise
won because he competed with himself. To this we have a term -
‘Excellence’ - competing with one’s own capacity. The mantra for success
in every exam of life is:

‘Excellence, not Competition.’

If you try to compete with someone more capable, then there is

possibility of getting depressed. And if you compete with someone with
less capacity, then complacency and laziness may creep in. Yes! We know
the clever amongst you will then want to argue for competing with friends
of same capacity! If the competition is healthy and the competitors are of
almost similar capacities, then all competitors can get benefitted. Then

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also the sporting spirit is necessary. This is because gradually the results
may gain more importance. Win becomes prestige issue. Sporting spirit
gets destroyed. Winning, by hook or crook, becomes crucial. Then the ills
of competition - hatred, jealousy and deceit creep in. Then the
competition is no more of building capacity but of pulling the opponent
down. Swami Vivekananda gives the example of crabs. For storing the
crabs, no special arrangement needs to be done. The basket which holds
the crabs needs no cover. Still, no crab can escape. Because when one
crab tries to escape, the other pulls him down! Their mutual jealousy
makes the hunter’s work easy.

Think long term

If you think of only today’s exam, then your batch- mates will seem
competitors. But in the struggle of life in future, these batch-mates can be
your supporters. The struggle of life is won by support, cooperation and
harmony only.

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One who competes with himself - that is aims for excellence, understands
life, and with friendly manners wins the hearts of all. This is long term
thinking. Your true friends are your wealth of life and the student life is
the time for making maximum friends.

So along with ‘excellence’ the next step is ‘cooperation’.

Cooperation

The benefits of group activities are also immense. From study point of
view we can see that group study prevents laziness, inspires each other to
strive harder, helps understanding the subject, makes every ones
knowledge whole. Someone understand one chapter, someone else
understand another chapter. Sharing together everyone’s knowledge
reaches completeness. Third - learning and teaching brings more clarity,
memory also increases, friendship become stronger.

Summary

So, if you want to compete, compete with your own self. Always try to go
beyond your own limitations. Strive to earn more. You have no limits. You
can fly and touch the sky. Just spread your wings! You have the power to
embrace the entire world within yourself. Know yourself. Say - Nothing is
impossible. Fight with your own self. Break the bounds. Advance. March
ahead, always!

For Parents
Your faith, support and love alone can strengthen the spirit of the
student. Your one word can transform the world of your child. Always
remember :
 Your communication must always be inspiring, not discouraging.
 Instill discipline, not punishment.
 Give positive examples.
 Remind him his achievements. Pointing mistakes only once is
sufficient. Repetition breaks the spirit.
 Never compare with other children.
 Don’t force too much for study. Other than study, games etc are

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 also important.
 It is alright to have expectations. Repeated reminder creates
pressure.
 Give importance to efforts, not to results.
 Help advance by encouragement, not by pressurizing.
 Mother’s duty is to take care, but excessive comforts and
pampering spoils the child.
 If you love, then make them competent and self-reliant.
 Inspire to think independently. Help them practice decision
making. Always spoon feeding is harmful.
 Do not impose purpose of life. Let him choose it as per his nature
and liking.

Request: You read this book completely and help your child develop his
thinking scientifically.

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Play 3

Yes I can
It is said, “Whatever the mind believes - success or failure, it achieves”.
When the mind overflows with confidence, success is more likely. Work
done with enthusiasm is more effective. So, keeping confidence on
oneself is very important for every student. Even if the preparation is less,
with self-confidence one can achieve great success. On the other hand, in-
spite of sufficient preparation, self-doubt will diminish the result due to
ineffective expression. Mindset affects efforts too. If you study with
confidence, you can understand with less effort and memorize easily.
Swami Vivekananda gives the secret of success, ‘Faith, faith in oneself!’
This is the only way to believe in the power of God. Swamiji considered
only those to be believers, who believe on themselves.

Possibilities are infinite

God has very graciously given us tremendous capacity. Body to act, Mind
to resolve and Intellect to think. Those who have some deficiency,
handicap, they also, on the strength of their will-power, make possible the
impossible. Sudha Chandran, who is seen daily in your home in the T.V.
serials, is without one leg. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a
renowned dancer with ‘Jaipur foot’. Though paralyzed in one arm and leg,
Taranath Shenoy swam across English Channel between England and
France when he was just 12 years old. There are several examples which
prove that if a man resolves then nothing is impossible.

Power of Resolve

An elderly teacher from Bihar presented an exceptional example. His only

son had died of malaria. Because his village was located at the foothill of
Himalayas across such a hill, which had to be circumnavigated 70
kilometers to reach the big town for medical aid. While on the way, his
son died. As he was returning with the body of his son on his lap, the

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teacher thought, ‘If the hill is cut through, the distance will remain hardly
17 miles and none will suffer for medical aid.’ When after a lot of effort
to mobilize the government failed, the 63 years ‘young’ resolved to cut
the hill himself and make a way. After 13 years of hard work, he alone cut
that hill of Himalayas and made a trail of 17 miles. We are comparatively
younger and the mountain we need to cut is only of exam. The need is
only to resolve.

Jo-Hari window

Are these examples exceptions? Did they have any special powers? Were
their minds different than ours? We are common men. Do we have
capacity to do similar impossible acts? Two psychologists did some
experiments on this subject. Surveying thousands of people, they arrived
at certain conclusions which they presented in an interesting way.
What a person knows about his personality, they presented this in the
form of four windows. There are two types of information about any
person - one which he knows about himself; two which others know
about him. With these, four possibilities emerge about a person’s
knowledge about his personality. These are Jo-Hari’s four windows.
1). Open window - That part of personality which is open to all. He knows
and others also know.
2). Blind-Open window - That part of personality which he does not know,
but others know.
3). Open-Blind window - That part of personality which he only knows, but
others don’t know. Those secrets which are private and we don’t share
with others.
4). Blind window - That part of personality which is totally unknown -
neither he, nor others know about it. In this unknown alone all
possibilities are hidden.

Scientists have found that it is the man’s unknown subconscious mind

that influences the consciousness. And this subconscious mind is almost
99% of the whole mind. So when a person says he knows, then he actually
knows only of 1%. Man does not use 99% of his brain cells too. Brilliant
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scientists like Albert Einstein did great research using only 2% of their
brain cells.
So man should never say that something is impossible, because who
knows the possibility may be hidden in the unknown 99%.
So always believe, ‘Yes, I can do it.’ With this belief alone impossible can
be made possible. Once we believe, then our capacity too can be
developed. Unknown can be known and more and more brain cells can be
made active.
“Yes! I can do it”
This belief can develop our Self-Confidence many times.

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Play 4

What is Self-Confidence?
The scientific method of developing self-confidence is known by
understanding self-confidence. Self-confidence means confidence in our
self, means confidence in our ability. When we understand this we know
that self-confidence is in everyone, but the awareness of ability is not. For
example, if we have to solve math’s problem publicly, fear will be natural
because we will think that we may make mistake. But if we are told that
the problem will be of fifth grade level, then there is no scope of fear.
Then everyone will come forward with self-confidence to solve the
problem. This makes it clear that the basis of self-confidence is the
awareness of our ability. If we are fully aware of our ability then we will
be self-confident too.

Awareness of ability
When it is said that nothing is impossible and we can do whatever we
want, what awareness of ability means? Though it is true that everything
is possible, one has to strive for that. And the basis of striving is our
present ability. For example, from Railway station we can go anywhere,
still the knowledge of where to start from is known. Similarly, the journey
of possibilities also starts with our present ability. So the first step in
increasing our self-confidence is to know our ability.

Experiments
We have our own estimate of our ability. Pessimist will have under-
estimation of his ability because in hopelessness under-evaluation
happens. On the other hand, egoist over evaluates himself, so he always
over-estimates his ability. To have a reasonable estimation, we must
cultivate the habit of experimenting with our own self – Experiments to
know our power and to develop our latent ability. This experimentation is
the second option for development.

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Through experiments not only the ability is known but developed too, and
so does the self-confidence. Experiment puts up challenges in front of us.
For comfort and ease, we usually don’t use our full ability. Only that
works we take up which are easy to do. This decreases our ability and self-
confidence too. Continuously experimenting with body-mind-intellect
makes our life dynamic. Swami Vivekananda says, ‘Life is a laboratory
where one keeps exploring the truth.’ According to him, continuous
progress only is the sign of life. The day we have not learned, we have not
lived.

Resolution

To experiment with our self is to struggle with our inertia and laziness.
Like water effortlessly flows downwards, mind too naturally moves
towards comfort-ease and laziness. To fetch the water upwards against
its natural tendency, effort is needed in the form of pump etc; similarly to
make the mind advance, special efforts are necessary. Mind has
tremendous energy and infinite desires, but as they pull the mind to
opposite directions, the mind gets disorderly and disturbed. The
concentrating of the power of will is called will-power. Will-power can do

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the miracle of bringing life to the life-less. The practical application of this
will-power is Resolution. Resolution brightens the personality of a person.
The medium for experimenting with oneself is to resolve. While fulfilling
the resolution, we get the evaluation of our ability and also by cultivating
the right habits of mind, its energies get concentrated and get working.

Signs of Resolution

It is necessary to pay special attention to four points, when we

experiment to develop our self-confidence with resolution. The four
necessary signs of resolution: (1) Positive wordings (2) Action oriented (3)
Capacity building (4) Time bound. Now we will try to understand these
four signs one by one. If we ensure these four signs, success of resolution
is also ensured and so is development of self-confidence

Positive wordings
Resolution means determination. For this, persistence is important. So it
is necessary to apply force on the right place. That is why while resolving,
paying attention to positive wordings is important. Positive wordings
apply force on the powers of mind and negative wordings on the evils of
mind. For example if you are short tempered, you would like to begin
resolving by eliminating this weakness. Habitually you will like to resolve,
’Today onwards I will not be angry.’ Now let us carefully examine this
negative statement. You have thoughtfully decided that you will not be
angry. What you will not be? - Angry. Means the force of the entire
statement is on Anger. Possibility is that only after you get angry, you will
remember the resolution. Then how will the resolution be fulfilled? It
means that the statement of the resolution must be positive. Now how
will such evils get destroyed? For this we need support of opposite words.
The resolution for eliminating anger is, ‘Today onwards I resolve to be
cheerful for next 24 hours.’ See, it is done! You cannot be angry while
being cheerful!

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Action oriented
Resolution is the medium for transforming desires into action. So it is
necessary that our resolution must be action-oriented. This action alone
makes the resolution practical. Only positive but action-less resolution will
remain suspended in air. It cannot be sowed without a firm ground of
action. That seed of resolution which has not germinated, how will it bear
fruits (succeed)? Like, if we resolve, ‘I will become good person’. Well,
this resolution is positive but devoid of action. Ratnakar resolved to give
up dacoity and be a good person. But only by thinking this he did not
become Valmiki. To be good one needs to do some activity – like to be
gentle, disciplined daily routine, service. Only by resolving to do such
activities the resolution will fructify.

Capacity building
When we resolve with the purpose of developing our self-confidence,
then it must be useful for capacity building too. Therefore, the resolutions
must be somewhat greater than our present established capacity. This
gradually and naturally builds our capacity. Even big goals can be achieved
by gradually escalating our resolution. The person who since childhood
daily carries a calf on his shoulder, with regular practice develops the
capacity to lift a bull by the time he becomes youth. One who gets up at

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7.30 am daily can get up at 4.00 am after a week’s practice of getting up
30 minutes early daily.

Time bound
If the resolution is not time bound, the possibility of its fructifying is less.
A broken resolution weakens the mind. So, when we resolve, we must
decide the duration too. This supports the mind too. Like, when we
resolve to be cheerful for 24 hours, the mind also feels supported, ‘oh it’s
just a matter of 1 day.’ Only for one day the total attention is to be
focused, so the mind puts up its entire energy. Time bound resolutions
have two more benefits. First – after the decided time period,
introspection is possible. Through analysis of the hurdles in success of
resolution, the path of holistic development of our personality can be
decided. Second benefit is – by completing our resolution within the
decided time, mind gets confident and it gets ready to take up more
challenging resolutions.

Introspection
Success in life is assured to the person with resolution. So students must
make it a part of their daily routine. Every night before sleeping,
introspect the day long activities and then take a positive, action-oriented,
small but challenging resolution for the next day. In introspection,
analyze this resolution and advance. Lord Buddha said, ‘Be your own
light’. This ‘introspection’ is the process of becoming one’s own light. This
is Ekalvya’s education system. In this a person is not dependent on others.
Stagnation too does not happen. One continuously advances with the
self-esteem born through self-force.

Play 5
Scientific method of study
Study
If we don’t have the total knowledge of the subject of study, how can we
have confidence during the exam? In exam, importance is not only of
gathering of information, but it is necessary to understand too. What we
understand alone is really received. So, merely developing the capacity is
not sufficient. Intellect too must be sharp so that what is read is
understood and is completely in permanent memory. This is what is called
real learning. Friends! Study is an incomplete word. Study alone will not
23
do. Then we say we have to memorize. Mother asks, have you memorized
the chapter? Student repeats what is learnt by rote. How much is
understood is not thought about.

Method of rote
It is possible that in the current examination system, learning by rote may
sometimes bring success in the form of good numbers. But the possibility
of gaining knowledge is bleak. What is learnt by method of rote stays only
for the exam. After the paper is over, nothing remains in memory.
Knowledge happens by continuity. Like, the principles of mathematics
learnt in 6th standard are useful in seventh standard, eighth standard too.
Learning through rote breaks this continuity. And then in this rote
method, more effort is needed. Memorizing without understanding is not
study but labor work. Friends! You need so much more time for studying
because of this.

Network of information
If we study with scientific method, we can study more in less time and will
be in memory permanently. Whichever subject we study, its syllabus is
full of information. To memorize, remember and reproduce these
information is what we call study. But with the development of human
race, the quantum of information too has increased enormously. Along

24
with the old, new information too has to be memorized. Due to the
enormity of the quantity, it becomes very difficult to remember them.
More time is needed. But when we see carefully, we find that much of
this information is of similar kind. If we understand the principle of
similarity, our work becomes easy. Let us try to understand this with an
example.

Key to concepts
In childhood, we are asked to memorize tables. It takes the life out of
every child. Each table has 10 numbers and such at least 19 tables. Means
memorizing 190 numbers in an orderly sequence. For children, it is as
formidable task as climbing Himalayas. But when we try to understand
the hidden principle of this complete process, it can become easy. The
way to reach the concept starts with ‘Why?’ Why do we memorize tables?
So that it becomes easy to multiply further. If we try to understand the
method of multiplication, what we find? Think why 2x5=10 always? Why
not 12? When we get the answer to this odd looking question,
remembering tables will be easy. If we see
2x5=2+2+2+2+2=4+4+2=8+2=10 as a concept then we find that
multiplication is adding that many times. For a child initially it is easier to
add than to multiply. Now even a hard looking table of 13 will look easier.
Every time 13 is to be added, that’s all. Try. After getting the concept
clear, remembering information becomes easier. In case of forgetting the
information, it can be immediately created too. Study method based on
concepts is scientific and it takes our reception capacity towards
completeness. If the first step of memory-power reception is complete,
then possibility of retention and recall maximizes. So must try to
understand the concepts of every subject. Initially more time may be
needed till it becomes habit, once proficiency is gained with practice we
straight get to the concept. Even if it takes more time to prepare notes
based on concepts, will help save so much time in future that the study
will be done in half time. Also, it will boost Self-confidence.

Now we will understand how to prepare notes in a scientific way. During

exams, these notes prove very useful. Instead of studying notes prepared
by others, it is more time saving to study notes prepared by ourselves. It
may seem contradictory, but it is true. The only way to memorize notes
prepared by others is to read it repeatedly. However intelligent a student
may be, he will need to read at least thrice for reception. Whereas half
25
the work is done during preparation of the self-prepared notes itself.
Thereafter one reading is sufficient to memorize it. A lot of time is saved.

TCI method
Usually, while preparing notes, the greatest difficulty students’ face is to
decide what to write and what to leave? Notes preparation becomes
simple when one studies after understanding the concept. We call this
‘TCI method’. In the study of every syllabus, there are three components
– Topic, Concept and Information. If we prepare notes in the same
sequence then reception and retention also will be orderly. Pay attention
to some practical aspects. Use three different colors for writing these
three. Like, write Topic in blue, Concept in red and Information in black
ink. This way our notes will be clear and beautiful too. A colorful picture
will be formed in mind. This picture will be useful in memorizing during
exam. When concept is memorized, information can be created. Notes
prepared in TCI method are brief, so try to make the points in minimum
words. This way, in few pages the entire syllabus will get covered. During
exam, instead of fat books and note-keys by others, few pages of self-
prepared notes in hand will take away fear of exam.

26
Tratak (Gazing)
Gazing - fixing the eyes on - at notes written in different colors imprints
the picture in mind. During exam, in case of failing to recall, just closing
the eyes and the colorful picture of notes will appear in mind. This is
photographic memory. One can write reading that. This way with our
scientific method of study, we can play exam! exam!!

Play 6

Way to develop Self-confidence

Swami Vivekananda said, “What you think, you become.” If we consider
ourselves as weak, weak we will be. If we think about our strengths, we
become strong. He also said, “Solution to weakness is not thinking
weakness, but strength.” So Swamiji always stresses on thinking positive.
He also opposed Christians saying humans are sinners. He believed in the
Upanishad’s truth that ‘We are the children of immortality’. This positive
thought alone is the mother of Self-confidence.

27
Obstacles become opportunities
In life, our thoughts alone become cause of our happiness or troubles.
When the thoughts are negative, even ordinary become difficult. In
hopelessness, capacity remains under-utilized. When we see positively,
we find opportunity hidden in every obstacle. The complete life of
Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade – founder of Vivekananda Kendra
Kanyakumari – is a live example of this. During the making of Vivekananda
Rock Memorial, he transformed every obstacle into opportunity to give it
such magnificent form and involved people at national level in this great
work. If the gold-medalist of hurdle race flying angel P.T. Usha had given
up before obstacles, would she had become world famous?

Full glass
In psychology, always this example is given. A pessimist can tell a half
filled glass as half empty also. Both are true. Glass is half full as well as half
empty, but how you express this tells your attitude towards life. In life,
there are opportunities as well as challenges. One who gives importance

28
to opportunities can easily confront challenges too. So, one who gets
inspired by half which is full, is an optimist who thinks positive. In Bikaner,
during one of the “Let us play exam, exam’ workshops, one girl student
Varsha expressed an advanced version of this thought. She said, “Glass is
fully filled – half with water and half with air. Emptiness is a delusion”.
Negative talks are always delusionary, in reality they don’t exist. Truth is
always positive.

This positivity is the key to success.

Positive thinking keeps enthusiasm in efforts. To fight storm, courage is
necessary. Poet says, “Don’t give me boat or shore, but give me
courage”. During exams to keep our enthusiasm, count-down helps. One
volunteer one day before his exam came crying - “Brother, My studies are
not done. Of five units of the syllabus, I have done only two; three!!!!! are
remaining. Now time is not much left”. When he was told, think positive
and say, “Two !!!!!! are done, only three are left”. Due to stress he
thought pessimistically, “What will happen just by saying? Truth will not
change”. But truth is always positive. After a lot of persuasion when he

29
did count-down, he laughed. Laughter evaporated his stress. Started
reading third unit. After 45 minutes singing-dancing enthusiastically he
said, “Three !!!!!!!! are over, only two are remaining”. And by evening his
studies were done. This is the effect of positivity.

So be it
Only positive thinking will not work. Our words must also be positive.
Swami Vivekananda tells practical principles of character building. “As
you say, so you think. As you think, so your habit. When habit becomes
part of subconscious, it becomes the character”. So, our speech must
also be positive. Mother used to say that in every building, every house
resides the Vastudevata – the deity of house. Vastudevata’s work is to
keep saying -‘Tathaastu’ - meaning - So be it. Means, if we say – ‘I am
unable to study’, Vastudevataa will say, ‘So be it’. If we say, ‘I will fail’,
Vastudevataa will say, ‘So be it’. Similarly, if we say positively, ‘I am fully
prepared with my studies’, then also Vastudevataa will say, ‘So be it’.
Hence, we must always get the blessings of Vastudevataa.

30
Keep away from criticism
One of the reasons for negativity is that due to the influence of media, we
believe that the entire society is corrupt and crooked. Criticizing others is
considered as something to be proud of. In this regard, two things are
worth pondering. One – Has really the entire society become corrupt? Or
few people’s dishonesty is being seen passively by many good people?
The second option seems truer. Active bad men are effective. Due to
passivity of majority of good men, the assertive good men are obscured.
Even if we think about it with reference to exams only, we see that
criticism helps none. Whom we criticize is depressed, and as our criticism
brings no desired change in him we too get depressed. Criticism and
negative comments make no impact on society but we will get depressed.
So our present work is to be away from criticism. If possible, express
gratitude. Discuss what good is happening in the society. This will
develop our Self-confidence too. If you want to read such stories on
internet, then visit : www.goodnewsindia.org.

To develop Self-confidence we must maintain positivity towards us and

others also. Psychologist Thomas Harry wrote a book on behavioral
science whose name itself gives a meaningful message – “I am OK, You
are OK”. The attitude of looking at human behavior is basically divided
into two levels. First – our thoughts about our own self, and second –
about the world. By the synergy of this both, our personality is build. In
these two levels based on whether our thoughts are depressing or
uplifting, four types of personalities exist.

This attitude alone gives meaningful success – in exam and in life as

well. This is spiritual life perspective. Swami Vivekananda says, ‘Divinity is
in everyone. Need is only to express it'. This thought at one hand gives
tremendous confidence towards our own self; on the other hand it tells it
is futile to criticize. Like divinity is hidden in us, it is in others too. We all
are at different stages of expressing it.

Come, let us face exams confidently. Be successful. And step forward in

expressing the divinity.
31
Play 7

You will remember

In present examination system, the most important is memory power (the
capacity to remember). Exam is of this only. What you have memorized
and could write in exam will only be evaluated. Marks will be awarded on
that and success or failure will depend on it. So, to play exam-exam,
development of memory is essential. You know many tricks of developing
the memory power. In this booklet our effort is to help you understand
each subject scientifically. How memory power works - after
understanding this you can devise your own tricks. Come, let us
understand how to remember our studies.

The labor of rote

Usually, it is believed that once you memorize, it remains in the mind for a
while, but in the long run it becomes difficult to remember. We also
32
believe that by repeating several times the period of keeping it in mind
increases. By repeating, the memory becomes permanent. Therefore,
maximum time of study is spent in repeating. By repeating the
information gets stored in temporary memory. But this consumes more
than necessary effort. Such tiring study becomes compulsion instead of
pursuit of knowledge.

Actually, memory has three parts. Unless these three are in order,
development of permanent memory is not possible. These three
procedures which coordinate to complete the memory are: (1) Reception
(2) Retention and (3) Recall. What we receive, that only we can
remember. And to keep the knowledge in memory for long time,
retention is necessary. But for a student the most important is to recall
during the exam what is received and retained. Friends! We will one by
one try to understand the psychology of each procedure.

33
Sense organs
Let us see how we receive knowledge. If we consider study alone, there
are two ways to receive knowledge. One by listening to the teacher in the
class and second by reading. We use ears for listening and eyes for
reading. For other practical purposes we use nose to smell, skin for touch
and tongue to taste. These five senses help us in reception.

Walking on the road, accidents happen. Two vehicles collide. Drivers

argue asking each-other, ‘Can’t you see?’ ‘Do you walk with closed eyes?’
‘I honked so much, can’t you hear?’ If we think over, it is true. Accidents
happen when eyes are open but can’t see. Ears are always open, still
sometimes we can’t hear. While seeing our favorite program on TV, we
can’t hear our mother’s repeated calls. The reason for all these situations
is in the answer, ‘I was not attentive’.

Reception
What does it means? Only by having ears, eyes, nose, tongue etc can we
receive the knowledge? No. Other than this something more happens
which completes the reception.

34
Ears, eyes, etc are only external instruments. Sound vibrations on the
eardrum and picture on the retina are insufficient for reception of
knowledge. Through nerves these vibrations or picture reaches the brain.
If mind is concentrated, that is, attentive then the information is received
by the temporary memory. If concentration is intense and total, then the
knowledge gets stored in the permanent memory. This complete
procedure is called reception. Reception with concentration remains in
the memory more effectively.

How to develop concentration we will see elaborately in a separate

chapter. Two senses are mainly useful for studies – Hearing (ears) and
seeing (eyes). Their development must be done at two levels. – Micro and
Macro. Micro means the ability to see-hear smallest thing clearly. The
ability to find minute differences in things and events which superficially
seem similar. Macro means the reception capacity of the senses must be
far and wide. Ability to see-hear far off things.

Yoga practices
Yoga practices develop senses at both micro and macro levels. By Yoga
practices, awareness increases at all levels which develops the capacity to
receive at micro level. Activities like ‘Tratak’ (Gazing) are more useful for
this.

Play way
Generally, parents feel that sports waste students’ time. So, when the
exams are near, students are instructed to be away from games, etc. Little
entertainment, that too indoors at home, is thought to be enough. So the
students sit at home and watch TV. But this is extremely dangerous for
the reception of the senses. Physical games are very useful for developing
the reception. (1) Physical games are more useful when played in ground,
park etc. This develops capacity of the body. Clean air, light etc are
obtained in right amount. (2) During growing age (till 25 years)
tremendous energy is produced in the body. If this energy is not spent, it
frustrates the mind, decreases the reception capacity. In games,
exercising with cheerfulness and efforts circulates the energy rightly,
35
giving zest not fatigue. (3) In games, harmonious coordination of different
activities is must, so by games our all senses’ coordination develops. It
results in developing capacity of all. (4) Repeating same things, scenes and
sounds makes mind mechanical, it gets bored. It almost ends the
reception capacity of senses. Eyes read but nothing enters memory.
Games enhance creativity. Student gets skilled in enacting in different
ways. This develops the reception power of senses immensely.

Samskar Varga
Interest in various art forms, songs, stories, games, complements the
studies. The capacity to receive knowledge increases. In less time, more
study is done. So, the time in games is investment, not waste.
Vivekananda Kendra’s working methodology helps in Integrated
Personality Development. Students who regularly participate in
‘Samskar Varga’ have miraculous development in concentration and
memory-power. Unless you receive properly, how can you remember?

Mediums of Sense-Development

Games Riddles Tratak (Gazing) Self-Control

Power Creative Flame When?

Agility Optional Thumb What?

(quickness)

Happiness Respond Sun How?

Patience Concentration How much?

Samskar Varga

36
Play 8

Memory: Retention
Generally, retention or storing is considered to be the hardest part of
memory-power. Most students think that unless they repeat several
times, they will soon forget the once received knowledge. As this thought
is embedded in the mind, we think that of the three parts of memory,
namely Reception, Retention and Recall – Retention is the most difficult.
And we make extra efforts on it. Scientific enquiry tells us that this belief
is false.

37
In 1970’s, neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield, did some experiments on the
working of memory. While operating on brain, Dr. Penfield would give
light electric shocks with electrodes to certain brain centers. As the
retained information would get remembered, the unconscious patient
would repeat that information. Dr. Penfield would record this
information. After the return of consciousness of the patient, Dr. Penfield
would enquire about that information. After thousands of experiments,
some important conclusions were drawn about memory. For our present
subject, three conclusions are most important:
(1) Whatever happens after 2 to 2½ years of our life, is all stored in our
brain. With or without our desire, these all are permanently printed in our
memory. We can’t erase it even if we want to. This means: Retention or
storing is automatic and permanent. No special efforts are required for it.
(2) Dr. Penfield’s experiments revealed that memory is not only audio-
visual, but feeling experienced during the occurrence is also stored.
(3) Recall also has a definite sequence. Recalling the information stored in
the memory-center, first the feeling is recalled, then sound and lastly the
scene.

38
How the study of these conclusions can be useful from exam point of
view? First of all, they clearly state that Retention is automatic and
permanent. So from study to exam, retention is no problem at all ! No
need of special effort or several repetitions. Secondly, even feelings are
retained, so being cheerful during study helps in memorizing.
That is why, those teachers whom we like, whose classes we enjoy, their
subject’s memory is better. During recall too this feeling will be helpful to
us, because first feeling will be recalled and with its aid the answer. If we
pay attention to the recall sequence, we find sound follows the feeling.
What is heard precede what is seen. And these days we mostly study by
reading i.e. seeing, which comes last in the recall order. That is the reason
we have to read again and again to ensure recall. That means more effort
and even more time.
Dr. Wilder Penfield’s conclusions tell us that in memory, retention is
happening automatically and is hundred-percent. But recalling capacity
differs. The intensity of feelings during reception too affects the recalling
capacity. This way we can say that actually memory-power is not about
remembering but re-remembering capacity. Fast memory means capacity
for immediate and total recall. So, development of memory-power is
actually development of recalling power. Hence, knowing the ways for
perfecting the recall is essential for the students and examinees.

Play 9

Memory: Recall
Friends, let us try this experiment. Close your eyes and visualize your
room (where your personal belongings are kept). Now, try picking out a
specific subject’s book. If your things are kept in a disciplined way then
you can search the book in your mind too. But if everything is in chaos,
then it will be difficult to find the book even after physically searching it in
the room. If there is order while keeping, then taking out will be easy.
This principle works during the third part of the memory – Recall.

39
Whatever we receive, if the mind is trained to store it in order, then recall
will happen with ease.
It is simple fact that if things in the room are kept in order, it is easy to
find them. Likewise if the information retention system (filing system) is in
order then whenever needed, recalling any specific information will be
easy.

Mind is not a gross or physical form in which we can make partitions and
store the information. Mind is extremely subtle. So we need to have not a
direct, but an indirect information storing system. When we examine the
working of mind, we find that habits have to be enforced on it. Once a
habit is established, then mind works on its own and also gets the body
parts to do work. Two examples will help us understand this procedure.
First example is mother’s work. Have you seen your mother baking
chapattis? Mother does so many things simultaneously with ease. She
rolls the chapatti, bakes it, puts ghee and all along scolds us too. When we
try making a chapatti for the first time, we know. If we pay attention to
rolling for a round chapatti, the chapatti on the hot plate - tava - gets
burnt. If we focus on baking, we miss rolling. With practice alone ease
with awareness comes. Thereafter, mind works automatically at the
subconscious level. Similar thing happens while learning to drive.
Coordinating gear, cutch, break initially is very difficult. Mistake/anxiety
happens. Even after total concentration, the vehicle jumps, hits. But with
practice, driving becomes so easy that we don’t notice when the break is
applied or gear changed. The subconscious mind does all on its own.
40
Discipline
How this procedure of practice can be applied on storage systems so that
recall is easy? Habits of mind are formed by bodily physical actions. After
the habit is formed, mind gets the body work systematically. That is why
Founder of Vivekananda Kendra Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade considered
‘Systematic bent of mind’ very important for training. To train the mind,
we need to cultivate the habit of improving the external systems. Our
effort must be to advance from Disorder to Order and Order to
Systematic Order. By bringing systematic order in external things and
behavior, mind too gets in order. When the mind will retain
systematically, recall during exam will be easy.

For recall or to complete the memory cycle, we must discipline our life.
Discipline at two levels - Physical discipline and discipline of time. Keeping
the footwear in line; clothes, books etc in proper order. Bringing system in
small things will train the mind to systematically store the information.
Discipline of time is important in training the mind. Generally, we don’t
follow time-discipline seriously. And delay of few minutes or even half
hour is common. We give time to friends and still don’t reach in time.
This is inconvenient to others, and is bad training for our mind. When we
fix an appointment with others or for a work or program, then our mind
also takes note of it. When we miss the appointment, mind gets the
wrong training – of not being serious in doing what we say. When we give
an exam related instruction to mind it does not take this also seriously
and we get deceived during exam while recall. Therefore strict adherence
to time is important. It trains the mind to be serious about our words and
also develops the will power.

41
Stress of exam
It is important that in exam the recall is total. If after reading the question
one recalls only the color of the ink, or which side the answer is, and
nothing about what is written, then it is a useless recall. In exam we get
number for writing the answer, not for writing the address of the answer.
Stress in exam causes unrelated and incomplete recall. Incomplete
memory creates anxiety and anxiety adds to the stress. Stress further
hampers the recall.

Harmony between mind and thought

Many times it happens that when we meet someone after a long time, we
fail to recall the name, how hard we may try. After the person leaves, and
we abandon our effort of recalling, suddenly the name pops up! This is
everyone’s experience. From this we get the secret of recalling. Recall
happens when the mind is relaxed. In the state of relaxation alone total
recall is possible. Stress and effort makes the mind agitated. More we try,
more the thoughts appear and with stress get more entangled with each
other. In such chaos, how can we find a specific thought? When mind is

42
relaxed, thoughts stop. Chaos ends, information get systematized and
recall is total and in order. When the water in a pond is still, we can see
even the tiny pebbles at the bottom of the pond. But when the mind is
disturbed, waves are rising, then visibility of the bottom is almost
impossible. Mind is like a pond and thoughts are waves arising in it,
information stored in memory are like the pebbles at the bottom. Only
when the mind is relaxed, memory-recall is possible.

Speed break
If we expect that the ever restless and disturbed mind will suddenly get
relaxed during exam, then it is impossible. During exam the mind is
already in a peculiar stress, to relax it then will be far more difficult.
Therefore, we have to practice mind relaxation well in advance. An
agitated mind is a fast mind. If we keep practicing some methods-signals
to relax the mind, we can use it during exam or any such stressful
situation. There are couples of simple ways to slow down the mind.
Mind can be relaxed only by auto-suggestion. During Yoga practice, in
Shavasana (Corpse posture) we train mind in this. First, focusing on each

43
and every body part, through auto-suggestion of ‘R….E…..L…….A…..…X’,
the body is relaxed. Thereafter, same way the mind is also relaxed. This
way the mind gets habituated to calm down on the signal of
‘R….E…..L…….A…..…X’. During exam, when difficulty arises in recalling,
then auto-suggest ‘R….E…..L…….A…..…X’, and everything will be recalled.

Deep breathing
One more method for slowing down the mind is deep breathing. Our
mind is connected with the speed of breath. When angry, our breath
becomes faster. If we apply it in reverse and slow down our breath, mind
will be calm. Regular practice of Pranayama results in slow breathing. If
only for exam this method is to be learnt, then deep breathing is
sufficient. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Even two or three times deep
breathing calms the mind and recall becomes clear and complete. Daily
practice of deep breathing makes the breath deep and slow. Deeper the
breath, calmer the mind. Once habituated, just before the exam, couple
of deep breaths and the mind will be cheerful and calm, and all answers
will get recalled happily.
When we see memory-power development in totality, we find that
whether it is reception or recall, the process for development is long,
needs regular practice. Like all trainings, this process too has no short
cuts. Though we may adopt these methods with a limited objective of
success in exam, the result will enrich the entire life.

44
Play 10

Concentration - Secret of Success

Swami Vivekananda used to say that the essence of education is in the
capacity to concentrate. If student is trained to concentrate, he will
master all other subjects on his own. India, since ancient times, had
understood well this fact and had discovered many effective methods for
concentration of mind by regulating its the actions and reactions.
‘Sadhana’ itself means to train the mind. ‘If you can master the mind, you
can master everything.’ When the Rishis -sages - observed the mind, they
found it to be extremely restless. They gave this restless mind the simile
of monkey.

45
Monkey-Mind
Mind, like monkey who does not stay in one place for long and keeps
jumping from one branch to another, does not stay on a subject for long.
Keeps hopping from thought to thought. It was realized later that mind is
even more restless than monkey. Then the simile was gradually upgraded
to - Mind is like a drunken monkey bitten by scorpion and possessed by
evil spirit. It is not easy to give simile to the restlessness of mind.

Restlessness
Still, the restlessness of the mind can be understood. In a restless mind,
on many subjects many thoughts flow in many directions. The speed of
the thoughts, of change of subjects and change of directions is also very
fast. Restless mind never steadies on one thought.

46
One direction thoughts
If the mind is always restless, then no work is possible. When we work or
study, our mind moves from restlessness to discipline state. This state has
many thoughts but a single subject and direction and it is possible to
understand and work. This is called ‘one direction thought’. Our mind
keeps fluctuating between these two states all through the day. But
knowledge is gained only when thoughts are focused on one point. In
study when any point becomes clear to us, then our thoughts are focused
on it. This focusing is only for a while. To be focused for a long time is not
mind’s nature. So when it is tired of focusing it runs here and there,
becomes restless.

Almost all students complain they cannot sit for long for study. ‘Sitting
capacity’ is not at all or less. During exam when one does sits out long due
to compulsion, the mind does not cooperate. Compulsion on mind does
not work. Then, shall we leave the mind free? Let it wander? Then how to
get to the goal of life? Mind does not work if left free uncontrolled nor
when forced to work. In such situations, balance is required. With this

47
scientific balancing act only capacity to concentrate and sitting capacity
can be increased.

Restless vs. Energy

Let us first think why mind does not remain steady? Why is it restless and
is that its fault? Is due to restlessness, mind our enemy? If we try to
understand the facts, mind will become our friend. Mind is very powerful.
It can make impossible, possible. Power comes from energy, and where
there is energy, how it can be steady? Is to have energy a fault? It is better
that the child is naughty then dull. Naughty will be the one with
tremendous energy. We take example of ice. Ice is solid and steady. The
moment it is given energy in the form of heat, it melts to water and flows.
Water with more energy is steam which further expands and no one can
stop it. Where there is energy is expansion and spreading. There can be
no contraction then. This principle is applicable to mind too. Mind is
energetic, powerful, so wants to expand and spread. It cannot remain
contracted.

48
Defocusing
After knowing this secret of energy, it is easier to find a solution for
mind’s restlessness as per its tendency. Though it is necessary to focus
the mind for study, but we know that mind cannot remain concentrated
and contracted for a long time. If we can give him its expansion before it
becomes restless, then it will readily concentrate again. We will substitute
expansion (that is defocusing) for restlessness. As per individual’s
capacity, one can defocus after focusing. This alternate focusing and
defocusing can increase the duration and quality of both concentration
and sitting capacity. The clever use of focusing and defocusing is the
secret of our success. If we become expert in this art, we can study and
give exam - in a play way!

49
Play -11

Scientific defocusing
Our mind anyway recognizes its requirements easily and works according
to it. Like, we understand the need of defocusing and do it on our own
ways. Some students put on radio or tape during study. Study along with
the tune of songs is easier for them. Some change the subjects of study,
which is a good technique. It can be named as ‘sandwich technique’ of
alternating difficult with easy subject. To study less interesting subject
between two more interesting subjects. This makes study and
understanding of both subjects easy and interesting. Some students
watch T.V or roam with friends, which may help in defocusing sometimes,
but often it ends in gossiping and stray thoughts, and also is time
consuming and prove more harmful then helpful for concentration..
Therefore, some scientific techniques need to be employed for a playful
study.

50
Scientific technique
What we say concentration is not just focusing of thoughts. It is the
effective combination of focusing and defocusing. By this, concentration
with more sitting capacity can be achieved. For this we have to adopt
techniques which in less time give more rest to mind and refresh and, one
need not leave the place of study too. If we understand the principle of
defocusing, we can devise our own ways as per our need and interests.
Mind primarily thinks in three dimensions - First: visual or form and color;
written words also fall in this category. Second: sound which includes
spoken or heard dialogues. Third: Emotions, which are subtler than visual
and sound. What we experience is emotion. Emotions are associated with
almost all our thoughts. Mind can be defocused with techniques devised
involving these three dimensions. We can experiment with all or couple of
these techniques as per our nature.

51
Defocusing - how?
After seeing some examples of defocusing, we will think how it must be.

We had seen earlier that mind has tremendous energy which wants to
expand. With this in mind we need to devise technique for defocusing. For
scientific and effective defocusing, three qualities are essential -
Positivity, Expansive and Energetic. Positivity gives self-confidence and
happiness. Expansion is actually defocusing and it gives effective
relaxation. Energetic thoughts of life, light, speed give maximum effect in
defocusing. Thoughts related to faith give more energy.

Using these signs, some defocusing techniques are listed and can be
selected as per individual preferences and practiced regularly. All are of
the kind that can be practiced without leaving the place of study. They
prove very useful when done before or during the study. Similar
techniques for defocusing can be devised by the students also. This list is
just indicative.

52
 Audio Defocusing

1. Expansive listening - Close both the eyes and focus the attention on the
ears. Try listening to as many sounds as possible. Recognize different
sounds.

2. Travelling with a sound - Sitting in the study room, focus on sound of

any moving vehicle and follow the sound till it disappears. It gives a
pleasant feeling of travelling to mind without wasting time.

3. Musical sound - Sitar, Santoor, Flute - Listening to the recorded

musical sounds of wind or stringed instruments like Flute, Sitar, and
Santoor is excellent for defocusing. Lyrical songs must be avoided as the
meaning influences the mind. Percussion instruments - table, drums, and
cymbals - too must is avoided.

4. Chanting of bhramari, AUM - Bhramari pranayama is chanting the

sound of female bee after deep inhalation. Along with the expanding

53
sound vibrations, the mind also expands. Chanting of A kara, U kara, M
kara also gives similar effect.

5. Merging in Mantras - Gayatri mantra, Mahamrutyunjay mantra, Pranav

mantra, Rama nama, Panchakshari mantra are all proven mantras and
extremely effective for defocusing.

Visual defocusing

1. Palming - Used for relaxing the eyes. Brush fast both the palms against
each other, and place the heated palms over the soft part of the eyes and
feel the warmth.

2. Expansion of vision - Close the eyes, visualize any small living creature
like rat or ant gradually expanding till it becomes huge.

3. Re-living a scene - Recall in mind a previous seen beautiful scene.

Evoke subtle things and enjoy again.

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4. Expansion of imagination - To expand infinitely, visualize clouds, ocean,
sky, mountains, etc.

5. Visualizing God - Visualizing in mind the image of our dear God. Not
picture or idol, evoke the living God.

Emotional defocusing

These are the instant defocusing techniques at visual and audio level.
There alternate application can help us study in minimum time and effort.
These help defocusing, after focusing on study. After resting the mind, it
again focuses readily on study. That is after tiring focusing, relaxing
defocusing and again focusing. The regular application of this increases
the sitting capacity and gradually the defocusing duration and cycle
decreases. Emotional defocusing is more steady and effective. In
emotional level defocusing, the defocusing happens simultaneously with
focusing. So no need for separate time or effort. Being deeper, it has
more steady effect. For emotional defocusing it is important to have clear
view and understanding of our emotions.

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 Expansion of Self

For everyone, the understanding of ‘Self’ is different. Each one defines

“Self’ at different level. A narrow or contracted ‘Self’ will have a
permanently concentrated mind. This unnatural concentration creates
stress. The expansion of the ’Self’ gives emotional defocusing. So, if we
want to give exams in a playful way, we must expand our mind, which is
possible through emotional defocusing only. Swami Vivekananda’s quote,
’Expansion is life, contraction is death’, let us try to understand at our
level. Our level of study is related to our understanding of ‘Self’. Some
student studies with a selfish motive. If you ask him why he is studying, he
will answer, ‘for becoming something’, to earn a lot of name and money’.
Though this is better than an aimless person - who is lazy and passive - but
because of narrow ‘self’ - ‘I’ - selfish person has to work harder. At
emotional level the mind will be always focused, so concentration will be
less and fatigue will be more. The solution to this is Emotional expansion.
Our personality is interconnected at several levels. Its structure is like a
continuous serpent like circle expanding at every level. It is connected at
both ends, so expansion and contraction both are easily possible.

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Family
The understanding of ‘self’ can be effortlessly raised from ‘I’ to ‘Family’.
Because of blood relations with family we have natural relation. Parents
give us birth and values. Their aspirations are connected with our success.
If our study is connected with our family, there will be more emotional
expansion. Mental stress and fatigue will be less. The objective of the
study will be the good name of the family and fulfilling family aspirations.
The tendency will be to give up personal desires in favor of family.

Society
Greater than family is the entity of the ‘Society’. Those who are aware of
their social obligations, they dedicate their every act for social good.
Society has given us security, relations and values. It is for society that we
can study fearlessly. If the student thinks that through study I will
contribute to the development of society, then his expansion of mind is to
the level of society. In this, the expansion of emotions gives natural-
continuous defocusing and the good wishes of the society are with him.
These blessings also become indirect support for the mind. Generally, this
understanding is seen intensely in students who come from villages to
town. But sometimes due to influence of friends, after a while negativity
creeps in. If this emotion is to be preserved than it must be given
expansion in this direction. Mind is never steady, if not expanded, it will
contract.

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Real Patriotism
Next level of emotional defocusing is ‘Nation’. It is the highest level of
natural expansion. It is naturally possible to directly reach this level.
Patriotism is naturally in all of us. That is why patriots’ lives attract us. But
when we study their lives, we find sacrifice and submission. Sacrificing
everything for the motherland and accepting death happily seems
attractive, but is almost impossible to follow. That is why, it is said,
‘Bhagat Singh or Shivaji must be born, but in neighbor’s home, not
mine’. Actually, due to the need of the freedom struggle, to die for the
nation was the medium for expressing patriotism. Due to those ideals we
thought that it is the only way to be patriotic and because of lack of
capacity, we started hesitating for that. Family also tried to keep children
away from that. Truth is just the opposite. If we really want to serve the
nation, than ‘we must learn to live for the nation’. Our every act must be
filled with the emotion of patriotism. This emotional expansion will make
our every act nobler.

That tennis player who ranked below 200 in world singles, the same
Leander Peas in Davis Cup used to defeat players ranked in top 10.
Reason, he said, “In other tournaments umpire calls the individual players
name with score. In Davis Cup, in singles too, ‘Game India’, ‘Set India’ is
said. This gives tremendous motivation. One gets the courage to put forth
our best for the country. Same will happen in studies also, if we dedicate
our study for the good of the country.

The debt of the country

By doing this we are doing no favor to the country. We are only repaying
our debt to the country at the emotional level. What is our country’s
contribution in our study? The school we study, the payment of the
teachers, the road we walk, its maintenance - water, electricity etc is done
by the government. Where does the government get the money from?
From the taxes we pay. So the expenses of our study are met by the
amount collected from our many hard working countrymen. When a poor
rickshaw puller buys something for his children from his day long hard
earnings, he pays tax on it. We are indebted to him for this. Even if we do
58
not study, this money is any how being spent on us. So we must always
remember that our study is because of and for the country. If this
emotion comes in our study, it will become as good as Leander Peas’
game. This emotion will always maintain our defocus which will make the
concentration 100% and in less study will get better result. This is the
reason why students volunteering in organizations with national interest,
study better even after giving time for service.

Humanity and knowledge

In the expansion of the “Self’, two even bigger levels are there. But for our
purpose, expansion till the nation is also sufficient. No man’s love for the
humanity needs to be ignited; it happens naturally. We pray for
everyone’s good -‘sarve bhavantu sukhinah:’ . This is the ideal of Hindu
culture. Who studies for knowledge, does not get bound by the marks,
exam and syllabus. He is only for the search of truth. Almost all scientists
fall in this category. This is the last step for ‘Self’ realization. Next is
divinity alone. There, is no ‘Self’. But that will come in spiritual field. Any

59
way, we are born in a country in whose welfare lays world’s welfare. So, in
patriotism is humanity and knowledge.

Total Concentration
To give exam happily, realization of nationalism is sufficient. This will
make our concentration total and provide defocusing. With this, in less
time and little effort we will study and remember more. Means, we will
study happily. Give exam and get results happily! And will live for the
nation happily!

Play -12

Enemies of Concentration
East and the West - Ernest Wood was an American Psychologist and
follower of Sri Ramakrishna’s thoughts as well. After studying both
western psychology and Indian Yoga, he wrote a book called
‘Concentration’, in which he has mentioned these five enemies of
concentration.

1. Laziness - This is the greatest enemy of concentration. Laziness reduces

awareness, capacity of senses and due to lack of enthusiasm, one feels
depressed. According to a Sanskrit shloka - “For lazy there is no
60
knowledge. Without knowledge, no money. Without money no friends
and without friends no happiness”! Student’s most harmful enemy is
laziness. Shivaji’s guru Samarth Ramdas states two forms of laziness -

a). Aarambhshoor - one who starts new work with great enthusiasm but
it decreases gradually and finally the work is left incomplete. In study also
we start enthusiastically, but leave it mid-way. This happens because of
lack of devotion and regularity.

b). Dirghasutri - Procrastination is the second form of laziness, when we

keep postponing the work till it reaches a point of now or never. This
habit is called dirghasutri. We all do almost all our work on the last date.
Studies also start after the exam date is declared. Due to the pressure of
last date, one gets into haste and the mind instead of concentrating gets
scattered. These two forms of laziness are enemies of concentration.

2.Gossiping - The second enemy of concentration is gossiping. If we

observe what we talk all day, we will find that most of the talking is
purposeless. The topics of our conversation are such which have no
relation with our life. Discussion on films, chatting, and criticism - all these
fall in this category. This wastes energy and mind gets habituated in liking
purposeless talks. Then it becomes difficult to concentrate. Bhratihari
says, “Low class people discuss other people, medium class people discuss
events; and the best class of people discuss concepts. If one wants to
expertise in TCI method of study, then one must leave meaningless
discussion. Regular practice of mouna - silence - gives power to the voice,
and then speech becomes meaningful.

3. Meaningless thoughts - Even if we stop talking but meaningless

thoughts keep moving in the mind, that is even more dangerous.
Thoughts effect directly at the mind level. So, purposeless thoughts
destroy the concentration completely. Thoughts have tremendous power,
so our effort must be to make them goal oriented. Purposeless and non-
productive thoughts are burden on our mind and tire us. Seeing serials on
television, though we sit throughout, is very tiring. It is neither educative
61
nor emotionally uplifting. Discussion on films or on cricket stars too falls in
the same category. If you aim to be in these fields then these discussions
can be useful, else they will destroy your capacity for concentration. Films
songs are also meaningless, and their humming is harmful for the
students. So, those playing antakshari beware! You are becoming your
own enemy.

4. Meaningless actions - The fourth enemy of concentration is

purposeless or meaningless actions. In our habit are formed many such
actions which are meaningless or useless. Like, some youth keep caressing
their hair or give jerk to their neck. Dangling legs or hands, repeatedly
straightening the dress, and so on which become habits. These
meaningless actions waste energy and make the mind unsteady. We can
get rid of them by introspection and resolution. Friends’ cooperation also
helps us in identifying and getting rid of such habits. If friends start
interrupting, in a short time our meaningless actions can stop.

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5. Attachment - The fifth enemy of concentration in ‘attachment’. Writer
of the book Ernest Wood says that attachment or intense liking to
anything other than God is harmful for concentration. In attachment, the
mind sticks to the thoughts related to the person or thing. During study
too, there is an undercurrent at the emotional level of these thoughts.
God is infinite, so attachment to God gives expansion to mind. Any other
attachment contracts our mind. So we have to check where all we are
indulging. Pen, books, dresses, shoes, vehicles in all these we are so filled
with the sense of my and mine that even small things trigger fights
between siblings. We become so narrow that things appear more
important to us than our relatives. Similar things happen with our friends
too. We make our likes and dislikes so rigid that it prevents emotional
expansion. Shri Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita that who is friend of all and
hates none, is my favorite. So, instead of becoming favorite of some lets
us try becoming favorite of God.

6. Greed and Jealousy - When there is an intense desire for getting

something it is called greed, and when someone else getting something
creates unhappiness, it is called jealousy. These both are diseases of
mind. They make mind narrow. Partiality develops. These all are enemies
of concentration. Now a days, in the name of fashion, our attraction
towards things is increasing. To express our emotions too we need to
give-take gifts. These all generate greed and jealousy right from the
childhood. The purity of childhood is lost, also the mind becomes restless.
The more friends we have, more these diseases can be controlled. Due to
sympathy for the friends, we feel their sadness. This sympathizing
expands our mind. But more difficult, important and effective than this
is rejoicing in others happiness. In Narad bhakti sutra it is said,”tat sukhi
sukhitvam”. The practice of this is the solution to jealousy.

Conclusion: If we want to become a successful examinee by defeating

these six enemies of concentration, we must be ready to transform our
complete personality. Discipline, efforts, time keeping, gentleness and
good behavior - these habits must be cultivated. Thoughts must be
purposeful.
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In short, the entire personality must be molded. Then not only in exam
but in life too we will be successful in every challenge and that too
happily!

Play 13

Full use of time

Founder of Vivekananda Kendra Mananeeya Shri Eknath Ranade used to
say, “Life is the sum-total of time and energy”. So only who manages
these two efficiently is successful in life, happily. For a student managing
these two is very important and difficult. As the exam nears, it seems time
is insufficient, and energy falls short. Balance between fatigue and rest is
lost. So for student, scientific planning of the daily routine is very
important.

The ultimate source of energy - We know we get our entire energy from
food. But where from the energy gets into the food? Food we get from
the plants. We consume leaves, fruits, seeds etc of various trees-plants.
Those who are non-vegetarians eat those animals which are vegetarians.
So indirectly, they too get food from the plants. If we think where from
plants get energy, then we find that plants through photosynthesis
convert energy from sun into food. We are made of Sun. Sun rising and
setting has effect on our mind and body. Planning of our daily-routine
helps in quality use of our time.

Value of time - Though in a day there are 24 hours and every hour has 60
minutes, but according to sun-rise and sun- set, for different works
different times have different time values. Our Rishis made an in-depth
study of this science and described in great detail the most auspicious
times for every work for best results. Let us try to plan for student life an
ideal daily-routine including the above certain points. Sandhya or twilight
is the time when Sun light is seen though the Sun is not present physically.
64
The light in the early morning before the actual Sun rise is called Pratah-
Sandhya or dawn. Similarly, the light in the late evenings after the actual
Sun set is called Saanya-sandhya or dusk. Both these times are valuable
for auspicious work. During dawn there is such a combination of ‘mind-
body and environment’ that one hour of study is worth more than two
hours of study. If we study before and after Sun rise totaling to two
hours, the effect will be of about 3-4 hours of any other time. Dusk is
better for defocusing than focusing. So one hour before and after Sun-set
is more fruitful for physical games, exercises, walking etc. If one wants to
study during this time, then it is more fruitful to revise than to start a
fresh topic. Reading the notes prepared as per the TCI method, given in
this book, while strolling in open park or terrace is best. Rest is an
important component of daily routine. Its science will be discussed in the
next chapter. Between 3-4 hours after Sun- set and two hours before Sun-
rise, Prana (energy from Sun) does not flow in the environment.
Scientifically, it is the tamasic or lethargic period. The mind-body gets
natural rest during this period. So, sleep of 5-6 hours during this period is
equivalent to 8-10 hours of rest in any other period. So, if you want to get
the blessings of Sun God, then instead of studying late night, it’s better
to cultivate the habit of getting up early morning and study.
If the food is taken at the right time, more energy is gained and the
digestive process too is healthy and in order. The right time for having
meals is one hour before mid-day (when the Sun is overhead). At the most
one hour after mid-day is alright. After this the digestive process gets
obstructed. Traditional belief is that a too late a meal is like poison. The
term ‘night-food’ or dinner itself is not correct. Scientifically, it is best to
eat before the Sun sets. At the most it can be one hour after Sun-set.
After this, the food will not get digested and energy obtained too will be
of name sake.

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 Looking at all the above, this time-table will evolve.
Considering Sun-rise at 6 am and Sun-set at 6 pm:
5 am - 7 am Study
11 am - 1 pm Meals
6 pm - 7.30 pm Meals
5 pm - 7 pm Games/walk, TCI revision
10 pm - 5 am (between) Sleep

The duration of sleep can be reduced. It is not that study is to be done

only in the morning. Morning study is must, rest of the day is normal for
studying. It is not right to sleep during the day. After lunch, lying on the
left side till the count of 16 breaths is sufficient rest in the day. When we
lie on the left side, respiration happens through the right nostril which is
good for the digestion.

I don’t care for liberation or devotion, I may go to lakhs of hell,

my duty is to serve silently like spring.
- Swami Vivekananda

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Play 14

Save energy, Make energy

Sun’s energy comes in plants through photosynthesis. From plants it
comes to our food. The energy from the Sun which is stored in the food is
absorbed by us through our digestive system. To get maximum energy of
Sun must be students’ aim. For this first we must pay attention to our
food. We must take Satvik aahaar or natural food for more attention in
our exam and study. Green and fresh vegetables and fruits have
maximum pran. It is more useful to eat them raw. So, the quantity of
salad must be more in a student’s diet. Light and easy to digest food gives
more energy. Fried, grilled, oily, spicy food is Rajasik food. It consumes
more energy to digest. Stale and refrigerated food is Tamasik food. It’s
better to avoid such food during exam. Sweets made of jaggery increases
brain power. Must take curd or butter milk in lunch. After Sun-set both
are prohibited, harmful. Mothers’ compel children to drink hot milk at
night which is not only inappropriate but harmful too. Milk is beneficial in

67
the morning or evening without sugar. Honey can be used as sweetener.
Milk can be drunk cold.

Digestive system - Yogabhyas are useful to strengthen digestive system.

Vajrasana after meals is helpful in digestion. Drinking sufficient water is
important. Regular exercise helps in digestion. Exercise empty stomach.
Eating sprouts or fruits after exercise is beneficial. If you are doing more
study then eating something now and then is useful. Thinking more in
empty stomach can lead to acidity. Drinking water in regular interval is
useful too.

Respiratory System - Respiratory system is an important part of energy

system. During respiration, pran from food is absorbed in the blood. It is
important that the prana is held sufficiently long in the cells. So, long,
deep and slow breath is necessary. This enables full use of the lungs.
Slower the breathing, more absorption of prana. For this appropriate
pranayama practices are given in the last chapter. With breathing in
order, mind becomes calm. And concentration and memory power
increases. Benefits of health and long life are gained.

Suryanamaskar - This way by regulating the three components of energy

cycle - food, digestion and respiration - we can get more prana or energy
from less food. For the maximum utilization of this energy for study and
exam, it is necessary that in general physical activities minimum energy is
wasted. To increase this capacity, Suryanamaskar is most profitable. Daily
practice of at least 6 Suryanamaskar makes student dynamic.

Rest - Rest in important for stopping waste of energy and utilizing it

efficiently. More sleep increases laziness which is the first enemy of
concentration. Less sleep gives tension and tiredness. So, getting practice
and trained in balanced sleep is must for students. First we must
understand the science of sleep. Actually, deep sleep of two hours is
sufficient. Time is required for the initial three stages of the process
reaching into the deep sleep stage.

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REST - CYCLE
The process of coming out of the deep sleep is just the reverse of this.
That is why, for a deep sleep of two hours, so many hours are needed.
The duration of sleep increases further if the deep sleep is not completed
in one go. From REM (Rapid Eye Movement) to Dream stage then, deep
sleep of 10-15 minutes. Again dreams, again the full process, and then
some minutes of deep sleep. This cycle goes on and on and so, even after
sleeping for the entire night we don’t feel fresh and energetic in the
morning. Even after getting up, tiredness remains.

Direct to deep sleep - The solution for this is to rest in scientific method.
First of all we must keep time in mind. We must complete our sleep
between 10 pm and 5 am. Generally 6 hours sleep with complete cycle is
enough rest. But if any three of the following methods are used, then the
time to reach the deep sleep stage can be reduced. This way complete
rest can be had in less time with freshness and energy in the morning.
Dynamism and strength will increase. Study will be better.

69
Before sleeping:
1- Calm the mind.
2- Read good literature.
3- Do nadishudhdi, Japa
4- Wash hands till elbows, and legs till knees.
5- Do shavasana.

Brahmacharya
A successful student’s goal is to gain knowledge. This way success in
exam comes naturally. Therefore, observing brahmacharya is particularly
important. Till now whatever we have seen while planning daily-routine,
is rooted in the principle of brahmacharya. Brahmacharya means ‘single
mindedness towards the goal’. Other temptations don’t attract him. The
first rule of brahmacharya is purity. These days all communication
mediums are working to fill poison and impurity in the thoughts. The
thoughts of increasing the attractiveness of body are increasing. This is
extremely obstructive to study. Providing too much comfort to the body
and hearing/seeing vulgar scenes makes mind unsteady. Semen is the
most powerful element of our body. By holding it alone increases our

70
potency. Wasting it destroys the potency. The reason behind today’s
common youth’s dullness and lost self-confidence is loss of
brahmacharya. Sisters and brothers, both must strictly follow purity and
brahmacharya.

Self-reliance
According to one saying, five signs of student are: Persistent like a crow,
focused like a crane, alert and of controlled diet like a dog; these four
signs have been described in detail in various chapters of this book. Fifth
sign is ‘Grihtyagi’ or the ‘one who leaves home’. In ancient times, after
brahmacharya diksha or Student stage, the students would leave home to
live in Guru’s ashram. Will the students who today study staying in their
homes will not become ideal students? We need to understand the
sentiment behind grihtyag. At home we get security and conveniences.
Parents give more than necessary care. All these are obstructions to
brahmacharya. One can live with the sentiment of grihtyag even staying
at home. Grihtyagi means self-reliant. One who does all his work. Must
not depend on mother, sister, brother or father for his work. What to say
of the child who gets his clothes washed by his mother? We may not
serve our mother, but at least don’t get mother serve us. Self-reliance
gives that power and strength by which we learn to overcome any
challenge.

Afterword

All these things

are proved by experience.
For the last many years students have practiced these to crossover
several exams, happily.
But only reading these will not work, they must be brought into
practice, happily!!!
Then will give exam happily and will be successful, happily!
****

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