A BEAUTIFUL HEART- Poetry Planet International magazine february 2024 edition

POETRY PLANET February 2024

ISSN:2799-0540

INTERNATIONAL

MAGAZINE

INSIDE STORY

A Beautiful Heart

FEATURED ARTIST

KOREAN TRENDS IN THE WORLD TODAY

WANSOO KIM

THE REAL LIFE OF A KOREAN POET

FEBRUARY 2024

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Table of Contents AN INTERVIEW BY WANSOO KIM KOREAN TRENDS IN THE WORLD TODAY

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A BEAUTIFUL HEART

Daniel Miltz Afrose Saad Gopal Sinha Sudha Dixit Liege Lord lanre Anjana Prasad

05 Bernadith De La Cruz Kishore Kumar Mishra Surendra Singnar Okoi Amadiowei Jacob Nino J. Vinas

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INTERVIEW

WANSOO KIM

A

KOREAN WRITER

I was able to get in contact with a Korean artist as I became interested in their upbringings, being a Korean drama lover myself. Their culture, as I watch their traditional dramas, really amazes me. I've come to know the similarities between the dramas and the reality of it as Wansoo Kim, a foreign language professor from Korea, told me some truths about it.

1. What is your native name?

김완수

2. Are you a native Korean?

Yes. 3. Where are your family roots?

From Korea.

4. Are you proud to be a Korean? Please specify why.

Yes. Firstly, Korea is a small but good country. It has never invaded any other country to date. It has overcome numerous invasions from larger and stronger neighboring countries for about 5000 years, boasting a long and illustrious history.

Secondly, Korea has its peculiar culture. One of the most representative aspects is Korea’s unique language, ‘Hangeul.’ King Sejong during the Joseon era created it to make the people’s lives more convenient, and all Koreans have used it since then.

Thirdly, Koreans possess a strong and creative spirit, developed to survive frequent invasions from neighboring countries. The resilience of that spirit in the face of adversity has contributed to Korea becoming the developed country it is today.

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1. Can you give an example of your written poetry in your language?

덩굴장미 담장 너머 고개를 길게 빼고 수많은 꽃등을 줄지어 들고 온밤을 지새우며 기다릴 만큼 누구를 뜨겁게 사랑하느냐 겹겹이 불타는 꽃잎마다 영롱히 맺혀 있는 이슬방울은 그리움의 눈물처럼 애처롭게 빛난다 마음을 사로잡는 짙은 향기는 장미의 뜨거운 독백 “사랑은 삶의 소망이자 목적이다 사랑을 위해 인생 전체를 불태워라” 2. In today’s modern world, Korean Movies and drama series has been a trend in the global entertainment industry.. What is your opinion about it?

I think their popularity is caused by some successful reasons: Firstly, they have high production quality with compelling story lines and visually stunning cinematography.

Secondly, they have unique storytelling. Korean content explores themes and genres that are not commonly seen in Western media.

Thirdly, they have strong emotional connection.

They have their great ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers.

Fourthly, they have good accessibility and availability. The platforms like Netflix and Viki have made such a Korean content.

7. What do you think makes Korea different from other cultures? Can you give us a sample of your culture?

I can highlight some aspects that distinguish Korean culture from others along with some examples. Firstly, Confucianism and collectivism emphasize respect for elders, the importance of the family, and valuing group harmony.

Secondly, Korean discipline and athleticism shine through in martial arts like Tae-KwonDo, while the global popularity of K-Pop demonstrates the nation’s artistic expression and cultural influence.

Thirdly, technology and modernity: South Korea is a technological powerhouse, embracing innovation and seamlessly blending it with traditional practices.

Fourthly, Hanbok and Kimchi: the traditional garment, “Hanbok” embodies Korean aesthetics and cultural identity. Kimchi, the fermented food, holds the symbolic importance in Korean cuisine.

8. How will you differentiate yourself as a Korean writer to the other writers in the world?

I have Korean peculiar culture and emotion as a Korean. I majored in English and American literature. I am a Christian. I’ll try to combine all these traits and write the poems to give the readers consolation, healing and hope, which will differentiate me from the other writers in the world.

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KOREAN TRENDS IN THE WORLD TODAY P O E T R Y

P L A N E T

M A G A Z I N E

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Korean trends have taken the world by storm, especially in the realm of entertainment. As a fan of Korean dramas, I have been deeply moved by the stories and characters portrayed on screen. Even though I may not understand the language, the English subtitles have been a great help in understanding the emotions and messages conveyed.

The combination of a perfect storyline, Korean idols are idolized for their looks, charm, and the way they treat women. They often possess a combination of physical attractiveness, fashion sense, and charismatic personalities that make them the object of fantasy for many. Their flawless images, carefully curated by stylists and agencies, contribute to their appeal and create a sense of aspirational beauty. These idols often exude confidence, kindness, and respect towards women, which further enhances their desirability and captivates audiences.

This captivating nature of Korean idols lies in their ability to transport audiences into a world of fantasy and emotion. They provide an escape from reality and offer a glimpse into a world where perfect love stories and charming characters exist.

This allure has contributed to the widespread popularity and influence of Korean entertainment worldwide.

While Korean dramas often portray romantic Korean men who are charming and devoted, it is important to recognize that these portrayals may differ from the realities of life in Korea.

In reality, Korean men are often known for their strong work ethic and dedication to their careers, which can leave little time for romance and personal relationships. This observation has been made by foreigners living in Korea, who have noticed the prevalence of a workaholic culture.

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There are also disadvantages to the idolized image of perfection. Idols are human beings with flaws, just like anyone else. When they fail to meet the expectations of their fans, it can lead to immense pressure and even tragic outcomes, such as suicide. This is believed to be a contributing factor to the high rate of suicides in the entertainment industry.

Korean society places a significant emphasis on societal status, educational attainment, and position. These factors can greatly influence how individuals are perceived and valued within their families and communities. This emphasis on societal standing can create pressure and expectations that may impact personal relationships and romance. Observed by a few Filipinas who married a Korean and now living in Korea.

Inside the families, there can be a traditional division of labor where the wife-in-law is often burdened with the majority of household work. This inequality in domestic responsibilities can lead to feelings of mistreatment and imbalance within relationships. It is important to note that this portrayal does not apply to all Korean families, as societal norms and dynamics can vary.

Despite these challenges, one admirable aspect of Korean culture is the deep respect shown to elders. Korean society places great importance on respecting and honoring their elders and ancestors. The words and wisdom of older generations are highly valued and treated as law. This cultural value instills a sense of reverence and filial piety, which can be seen in the way Koreans interact with and care for their elders.

As fans of Korean dramas, it is important for us to appreciate the work and talent displayed by these actors. We should admire their beauty and the wonderful stories crafted by scriptwriters. However, it is equally important to remember that they are imperfect human beings who deserve to live normal lives. We should respect their privacy and not forget to thank them for providing us with beautiful dramas to watch.

In today's technology-driven world, it is important to recognize that even an imperfect face can appear flawless through the lens of a camera. So do not be deceived by the beauty you see in your screen. They may be perfect in every angle. But we are all created with different abilities and beauty…

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A Beautiful Heart "A beautiful heart is like a blooming garden, where kindness and compassion blossom, spreading their fragrance to touch the lives of others. It is a sanctuary of love, where understanding and empathy reside, nurturing connections and inspiring acts of goodness. A beautiful heart is a masterpiece that leaves an everlasting imprint on the world."

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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VALENTINES DAY A

P I E C E

O F

M E M O R Y

MARITES RITUMALTA

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I am 50 years old and married to the man I chose to spend the rest of my life with, the man who became the father of my children. Being married doesn't mean the end of a sweet romantic life; it's just that you become accustomed to having a relationship, unlike when you are still single and searching for love. As you grow older, you also grow more mature, and eventually, you realize that loving or choosing a life partner isn't as big of a deal as it may seem. Perhaps it's because you already have someone by your side. However, for those who are single, Valentine's Day can be a dilemma since it is normal to dream of finding someone to love. For those with broken hearts, it can feel like their world revolves around that pain, while those happily in love fantasize about the day.

As I recall my past experiences, I can say that finding your destiny is not like a drama in a movie. I sometimes envy cultures with arranged marriages because they don't have to chase after partners; their parents take care of the matchmaking. Although dreaming of love striking you and experiencing the magic of union can be enticing, it isn't always the reality. Sometimes, what you feel isn't everything that matters. Why?

Because the truth is, the heart doesn't love only once; it can love multiple times. And even if it breaks, it can heal and love again. So, when you love, don't think it will become your everything; leave time for yourself.

Am I hard to understand? Let me clarify based on my life experiences and the many times my heart has fallen, broken, and fallen in love again until I found my last love. I experienced my first infatuation at the age of 16 when I had my first boyfriend. I thought he was my first love, but he was not. He was simply the result of peer pressure. My friends had boyfriends, so I decided to experience having one myself.

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Love grew over time, and though it wasn't easy, we found real love. It seems that our marriage became an escape from our past heartaches.

As time went on, we learned to love each other, and now, I have become my husband's world as I earned his love and affection. In time, I learned to love him too. Do we have regrets? I don't have any regrets. I am grateful that my heart is flexible, capable of loving so many times even if it has been through pain. I thank God for giving me a good and reliable man whom I thought I could never have.

There is no perfect relationship; you just have to learn to adapt to the different individual you choose to spend the rest of your life with.

What is significant about Valentine's Day? It reminds us that the heart can love, hurt, heal, and love again because it is flexible.

Memories of the men I used to date still linger to this day. They were once part of my story. Some of their names I have forgotten, and some experiences were bitter and painful. Some may still hold hatred towards me, while others may have forgotten me. Some may have loved me so deeply that it affected their future relationships, and some may have been impacted for a lifetime. But I am no longer in their lives, and they too have moved on, just like me. Because the heart is flexible, it always has room for changes, improvements, and the ability to love again.

What is significant about Valentine's Day? It reminds us that the heart can love, hurt, heal, and love again because it is flexible.

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It took time for me to forget my first rejection, and I learned not to love so deeply. I had flings, men that I dated, but I never considered having a serious relationship with them. I can barely remember their names. Each of them gave me butterflies in my stomach when they treated me like a lady and pampered me like a princess, but none of them made my heart flutter like my first love, and none of them made me cry like my first rejection.

At the age of 28, I thought about getting married, even though I hadn't had a serious relationship.

My friend told me to flirt a little, meaning to have romantic relationships that could lead to marriage because they said I was getting really old. I dreamed of settling down after living an independent life with no direction.

It would be nice to have something to hold onto as I got older.

Later on, at the age of 18, I felt the pain of loving for the first time. Distance kept us apart, and we never met again to this day. He was the only one who made me feel pampered and loved, like the characters in the K-dramas. He will always be remembered.

It was funny, but I asked my thenboyfriend about it. He said he was too young to get married at the moment. He was 20, and I was 28.

I laughed out loud, and he got annoyed, leading to our breakup.

At the age of 20, I got over my first love and fell in love again. I thought he would be my love for life, but I was wrong. I had my first rejection and discrimination. It made me realize that social status in marriage really matters, just like in the K-dramas.

I decided to go on a blind date for the first time with a man older than me. To make the story short, he married me after a month. No, it wasn't love at first sight; he was simply determined to get married.

And I thought I was getting too old not to.

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THE ART OF WRITING

Liege Lord lanre

CARING REBEL

I've always been labelled a rebel. Growing up, I never quite fit into societal norms or adhered to conventional expectations. But being a rebel doesn't meen I don't care about others. In fact, my rebellious nature is rooted in a deep sense of empathy and a burning desire to make a positive impact on the world around me. Throughout my life, I've always felt the urge to challenge the status quo, question authority, and push boundaries. This rebellious spirit emerges not from a place of defiance, but from a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

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and systems can ftentimes, established norms potential, preventing restrict and limit people's lives. My rebellion, them from living their best passion, seeks to fuelled by kindness and com itations, opening up challenge and change these lim happiness. and growth for possibilities the me to ves dri ure Moreover, my rebellious nat uate pet per al norms that may Ochallenge societ inequality and injustice.

with the e always been fascinated As a young writer, I hav positive e change and create a pir ins to ds wor of of er pow I stumbled upon the works il unt n't was it r, eve How d the impact. st that I truly understoo one's a remarkable Korean activi g pin sha erature can have on transformative influence lit le. perspective and writing sty m g Chol-Hwan, a defector fro Kan is on sti que in st ivi : The act "The Aquariums of Pyongyang of hor aut the and ea, rowing North Kor Korean Gulag." Kang's har opened Ten Years in the North y onl Korean labor camp not ntless account of life in a North cou ble suffering endured by ina mag uni the to s eye found my as a catalyst for a pro ved ser o als but ls dua indivi shift in my writing. by of the atrocities committed in e Kang's unflinching portrayal rag , and his unwavering cou the North Korean regime me. His ice, ignited a fire within ust inj t ins aga out ng aki e of spe e of resilience in the fac ght tur pic id viv a d nte pai pli words ination to shed light on the s. oppression, and his determ nes ous ble mark on my consci of his people left an indeli

Inspired by Kang's unwavering commitment to trut h and justice, I began to infuse my writing with a newfound sense of purp ose. His courage in challenging the status quo served as a poignant reminder that words have the power to challenge, provoke, and ultimately effe ct change. In my own writing, I sought to channel this spirit of fear lessness and conviction, striving to amplify the voices of the marginalized and advocate for social justice.

Moreover, Kang's ability to evoke profound empa thy through his storytelling greatly influenced my narrative approach. I lear ned from him the art of weaving personal experiences and emotions into my writing, cultivating a deeper connection with my readers. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, I discovered the potency of storytel ling as a tool for fostering empathy and understanding.

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Kang Chol-Hwan's narrative also compelled me to delve deeper into Korean history and culture, broadening my understanding of the complexities rooted in this region. The richness of Korean literature, art, and traditions became a wellspring of inspiration for my writing, infusing my work with a newfound depth and cultural resonance.

Furthermore, Kang's resolute commitment to advocating for human rights and speaking truth to power has profoundly shaped the themes that I explore in my own writing. His unwavering determination to confront oppression and challenge authoritarianism instilled in me a deep-seated belief in the transformative potential of literature as a catalyst for societal change.

Beyond imparting technical and stylistic insights, Kang's work reshaped my fundamental beliefs about the responsibility of a writer. His dedication to shedding light on systemic injustices and amplifying the voices of the oppressed instilled in me a sense of duty to use my writing as a force for positive change. No longer content with mere expression, I aspired to harness the transformative potential of literature to advocate for social progress, just as Kang had done.

In the wake of encountering Kang's profoundly moving literature, my writing became imbued with a newfound sense of purpose, empathy, and social consciousness.

Through his influence, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with complex societal issues and striving to emulate his unyielding dedication to creating a more just and equitable world.

In addition to transforming my writing, Kang's example has had a lasting impact on my personal growth. His unwavering resilience in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of strength and fortitude, reminding me of the importance of perseverance in pursuit of just causes. Moreover, his unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities has instilled in me a sense of moral obligation to advocate for those whose stories may otherwise go untold.

Ultimately, the influence of Kang Chol-Hwan, the Korean activist, has left an indelible mark on my writing and my worldview. His impassioned call to action, his unyielding commitment to truth, and his unwavering dedication to challenging systemic injustices continue to fuel my passion for writing with purpose and impact.

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In embracing the powerful influence of Kang's storytelling, I have come to realize that the written word has the incalculable capacity to catalyze change, bridge divides, and foster empathy. I am indebted to Kang CholHwan for imparting in me a profound appreciation for the ethical responsibility of a writer and for igniting within me the fervent resolve to leverage literature as a vehicle for social change.

As I continue to navigate my writing journey, I carry with me the enduring legacy of Kang Chol-Hwan's activism, forever shaped by his courageous pursuit of truth and justice. In his honor, I endeavor to craft narratives that challenge the status quo, elevate the voices of the marginalized, and ultimately effect positive transformation in the world.

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Greatheartedness

Daniel Miltz

A beautiful heart radiates an ineffable warmth and kindness that encompasses every aspect of one's being. It is a rare and precious quality possessed by those who have learned to embrace empathy, compassion, and love for their fellow beings. A truly beautiful heart goes beyond superficial appearance and delves into the depths of sincerity and selflessness. It is the spark that ignites acts of kindness, inspires others, and fosters a sense of unity among humanity.

The beauty of a heart lies in its ability to understand and empathize with others' pain and struggles.

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A person with a beautiful heart possesses a unique intelligence that allows them to comprehend the emotional, physical, and mental needs of those around them. This intelligence arises from a combination of heightened emotional awareness and enhanced cognitive abilities, enabling them to recognize and comprehend complex human experiences. They can listen attentively, offer solace, and provide support to those in need, helping them find comfort and strength in times of adversity.

Furthermore, a beautiful heart is characterized by boundless compassion.

It is a quality that extends beyond empathy, as it propels individuals to take action for the betterment of others.

Those with a beautiful heart are not satisfied with merely feeling for someone's pain; they are driven to make a difference. They effortlessly provide aid, dedicate their time and resources to charitable causes, and actively seek ways to alleviate suffering in their communities. Their compassion is a testament to their character and their unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Their love fosters a sense of belonging, acceptance, and understanding, allowing them to forge deep connections and lasting relationships.

This love has the power to transcend differences and transform lives, creating a ripple effect of positivity that spreads far and wide.

In conclusion, a beautiful heart encompasses both intelligence and comprehension at levels that surpass the norm. It is marked by deeply rooted empathy, boundless compassion, and an unwavering love for humanity. Those with a beautiful heart possess a rare combination of emotional intelligence and intellectual understanding that enables them to comprehend the complexities of human experiences.

Their actions and attitudes inspire others and foster a sense of unity and kindness in the world. A beautiful heart truly exemplifies the epitome of human goodness and serves as a guiding light for all.

Lastly, a beautiful heart exemplifies love in its purest form. It is a love that sees no boundaries, embraces diversity, and creates unity. Whether it be within their family, friendships, or communities, individuals with beautiful hearts possess an unwavering love for all humankind. T

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Fragrance of a Sweet Heart Ding-dong Bell, a new trail. Let's go there, nobody is near. Who knows?

Who cares?

Come here, dear. I am here. Your voice is clear, go there. Lalalalala!!!

A new look, A new rhythm...

Heart craving for the beloved, Heart crying for the desired lane.

How sweet!

How beautiful!

It's the starting point of the dearest heart. Beats for love, beats for the dreamy hub.

A beautiful life starts its song.

Song of life and mind smiles. Wow! If there's no ray of love, the earth will be the graveyard. Without any dream, without any love, without any heart, without any mind. How pathetic!

Afrose Sad

Now it's time to wake up from the graveyard. We can't be controlled by the anger and greedy vibes. Till the day, we will say, this is our beautiful lives. This is the best platform of the world. Our beautiful thoughts, emotions, feelings flow... glory of life.

Starry night glitters all the time. Day or night, whatever... no matter.

Come and see. The blue sky. We have to stop all the greedy parts.

The zephyr plays with the glamour of lovely fragrance of heart. Garden of sweet flowers ahead. Just believe this. Let's see.

Fragrance of sweet heart. Really?

Hello!

Anybody is here?

Please come and see, how beautiful this part of life! Never mind if you delayed.

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The time floats as the lovely kite. We will play. We will enjoy it. Let's see the ride. How wonderful! How can we conclude? It's very, very clear. Love is the core of a beautiful life. Love is the power to win any war.

This is the moment of love. The magical ride.

This is a ray of heart. The cosmic art.

This is the month of love. The window of soul.

It opens and asks only love and love.

Yes, it's true. Be the love, sweetheart. It heals any pain, it's the magic of the dearest life.

See, today the sky is very special.

Today you are also so special.

Your heart and mind... wait... till the moonlight.

A serene phase of life... amazing.

Just imagine. If everything goes smoothly by the door of the heart, then the world will be paradise.

A special flower! Take this and accept my love. The fragrance of the heart. It is spectacular, holding spring even in the graveyard. That's the magic of love. Every nook of the universe gets its spirits, and agile vibes come as the tidal mirth. Just wow and wow!

Let's spread the Fragrance of Sweet Heart, my dear friends. Let's make a world of love, for the unwanted rainfall of happiness always, everywhere. * You are in my heart You are in my heart.

You are my whole earth You are my whole earth.

Love has the power To make the paradise * Sing the song, hope will enjoy within any state, without any fear. The essence of love. We are beloved ones forever. Don't forget this word, my heart. As you're so special.

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Every one of us possesses a heart, that is beautiful and it keeps beating till our last breath, serving us like the most trusted friend and companion. It is the source of all our good feelings like love, affection, compassion, devotion, friendship, and benevolence, and should have no place for hatred and violence.

– @reallygreatsite

A HEART THAT BEATS FOR ALL

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE.

Gopal Sinha

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It gives us an identity and a recognition of being a gentle person, having a beautiful heart. Surely, nobody would like to have a reputation otherwise, for not having a heart as good.

A beautiful heart is that who cares. It cares not only for oneself, but for all concerned, having a soft corner for the society and the humanity, as a whole. It has love for all the creatures of the world and it believes in sarve bhawantu sukhinah (all be good, healthy and prosperous). It believes in live and let live, with special care for the environment and the eco-system for survival and co-existence.

A beautiful heart is that which believes in values and certain principles, which it tries to follow and uphold in trying times. It never thinks of doing harm to anybody, in any way. It is always ready to bear with pains, insults or inconveniences caused to him by others and still shows love and affection for them.

People, with such a heart, remain calm and gentle always. They are, by nature and attitude, quite accommodating, adjusting and largely tolerant. They come forward to help anyone in distress, without any discrimination. They are, not hesitant in making sacrifices, if need be, for others.

What type of people, generally, have good hearts ?

Let us take an example. I would like to share a story with you. It is about an Indian sadhu (hermit or a sage).

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A sadhu went to a river for taking bath, before his morning pooja (prayer and worship). He saw a scorpion in the water, helplessly trying to save itself from sinking. He took pity on it and decided to help it, by taking it out of water with the help of a fallen leaf.

As he tried to hold him up, it bit his finger with its sting. He felt intense pain and the scorpion fell into the water. Again he tried to rescue it, but was bitten again. For this, he was unable to hold it fell again into the water. This continued for a while.

Finally the sadhu was able to save it from sinking and dying and placed it on the dry sand, out of water, despite being bitten several times and trying to bear all the pains A man, who was watching from outside the river, asked him -- "Why were you trying to save it, despite being bitten ?"

"It was its nature. This is my habit. If an insect can't change its nature, being a man, should I change my habits !"

Sadhu said it calmly, trying to hide his pain, behind a faint smile.

A beautiful heart is large enough to accommodate the entire world within it. It has no fears, no wants, desires, demands, undue expe it keeps beating for others as well.

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HEART Kishor Kumar Mishra

HOW BEAUTIFUL IS IT? Communal violence started in the town. Killing of people and ransack of homes started. Major community caused much harm to the minor community. There were two neighbors belonging to opposite communities. The family of major community gave shelter to the neighbor in their house to save their lives. They arranged to send them to a safer place before the terrorists catch them.

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A small child was passing through a village in his father’s car. He saw an old man walking bare foot in the hot summer. He asked his father to stop and donate his shoes and an umbrella to the old man.

The village was submerged in the flood. People have rescued to a hillock. A group of people from town arranged tents, food materials, water and medicines for the people in distress and helped them till the flood subsided.

A couple used to rescue orphaned, wounded and unhealthy animals and birds from the streets and neighborhoods, keep and take care of them in their house. They release them in proper time.

These are a few examples of service of people, who love and serve people and other creatures.

WHAT IS A BEAUTIFUL HEART? A heart is not beautiful with its good size and shape. It is not that a heart is medically fit. It is rather love, compassion, good gesture, help, charity etc. that make a hearts beautiful.

Generally, kind, cool, humble and caring people have good hearts. They love people and other creatures. They normally overlook flaws and try to find beauty in everything.

I have heard this beautiful story:

There was a young man with a perfect unscarred heart. He was very proud and openly declared that his heart was the most beautiful heart in the city. People gathered, applauded, and admired him and his heart.

He felt very happy.

Then an old man came and told that his heart was more beautiful than that of the young man.

The people assembled there told the old man to show his heart. He opened up. It was scarred, having gaps and uneven surfaces. The people wondered and asked him how he claimed his heart to be more beautiful than that of the young man.

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The old man replied, “See, I have given away pieces of my heart to the persons I love causing gaps. Some of them have returned pieces of their hearts to me, which I tried to fit to the gaps in my heart. But those didn’t fit exactly causing uneven surfaces. Some of them have not returned pieces of their hearts to me and hence some gaps are still there. Perhaps the young man has never shared his love for others, hence has a perfect unscarred heart. I feel my heart is the more beautiful than that of his”.

The young man felt ashamed and tears rolled down from his eyes. He touched his feet and promised to share love among others.

This story has a high moral value.

HANDLING NEGATIVE SITUATIONS

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HEART BEAUTIFUL Nurturing a heart to make it beautiful is a continuous process starting from childhood.

Some of the activities required in this process are: 1) Seeking advice of good and pious people 2) Reading religious texts and motivational books 3) Practicing discipline and good manners 4) Believing God 5) Believing in actions and its consequences 6) Looking at the positive sides of the things 7) Associating with good people 8) Keeping mind calm and cool

Sometimes, good people suffer due to ill motives of bad people. Their simplicity, kindness and helping attitude make them fall prey to these cunning and notorious people. In such circumstances, it is necessary to stay away from these people and be alert always.

LAST WORDS In this complex material world, it is difficult to have a beautiful heart. The amount of beauty depends on degree of positive attitudes and actions. Conflicting thoughts influenced by the surroundings sometimes pose a challenge to a beautiful heart. A mind with a strong determination to acquire the qualities of a beautiful heart and to maintain it is the need of the hour. All the beautiful hearts, in billions, can make this world as beautiful as the paradise.

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Handsome Is That Handsome Does Dr. Sudha Dixit You may look like Adonis or Venus. You may be rich, famous, successful, or an erudite. You may be physically attractive or mentally accomplished, but, If you are not kind, empathic, or wise to others’ woes, you cannot be called “Beautiful”. Beauty lies in a sensitive heart. A heart that may not see but feel, that may not hear but perceive; a heart that pulsates with the rhythm of the universe, is a real beauty.

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I had two elder sisters. The eldest sister was fair and very good-looking. My father used to dote on her.

That made her narcissistic, arrogant, and selfish. She was very sweet in front of my father and outsiders but never tried to help my mother with housework.

She was never kind to her younger siblings. The other sister was a little darkcomplexioned with ordinary features. She was sensitive towards our mother and very considerate towards us – the kids.

In the social circle, while the pretty one was invited to parties and functions, the ordinary one was remembered whenever people needed help. She was very popular with children and elderly people.

I was considered the brainy one in the family. I was called the philosopher, as I was a quiet and emotional yet sober child. I could see through the real attitude of both sisters. I admired my sensitive sister and, frankly, did not care much about the charming one. To be honest, I simply did not like her. I had huge respect for my other sister. She was always there for me through thick and thin.

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ne day I was doing my school homework; everybody else was with their own business. The good-looking one in the house felt bored and was longing for attention. In her typical satirical manner, taking a jibe at us she asked, “Hello everyone! Where were you all, when God was distributing ‘Beauty’? everybody felt bad but knowing her nature, said nothing.

I was piqued. I was not called the brain of the house for nothing. Hence, I got up and keeping a safe distance from her cheerfully replied, “Shall I answer this question?”

All eyes were on me with trepidation. Surprised at my audacity, she said, “Yes”!

“We were at the queue where intelligence and considerations were being distributed,” I said cheekily. Everybody roared with laughter and I escaped the room as she lunged at me.

No one ever allowed her to forget it. Even my father conceded that physical beauty is not the ‘be-all and end-all’ in life. The evil one (as I used to call her) realized that a beautiful heart is more important than a beautiful appearance. People admired her for her beauty and charm but respected and preferred the other one more.

This is a real-life story. In literature, what moves us most is the humanitarian story. Whenever we read a story about someone being kind and goodnatured, we feel happy and grateful. Tales of dayto-day incidents, and discussions about success, hard work, or achievement may interest us but do not touch our hearts as a humanistic story does.

A little child giving away his pocket money to someone poor to buy medicine moves us to tears.

A young cripple giving his seat to a tired elderly person touches us deeply. It is all about a sensitive heart, not about good looks, wealth, or success in trade, the literary field, etc.

Our personal experience with our values also decides what we see as beautiful, plain, or simply ugly. Everyone admires virtues. But we cannot expect everyone to be virtuous in all spheres of life. Some may like a religious person.

Some may care for a person leading a particular lifestyle. My preference is “truthfulness”. I can pardon any sin and any other lapse in behaviour, but I cannot forgive anyone lying to me. In my opinion, a liar cannot be trusted. One may not be a thief, a cheat, an alcoholic, a molester, or a murderer; but if he is a habitual liar, he can be any of the above-mentioned sinners. He may swear to be innocent but how do I trust him? He could be lying. I have personally known one such person.

I met him several years back. A very presentable man, good-looking, intelligent, and very successful in his career. He had all the qualities people may look for in an acquaintance. The meeting turned into a friendship and after some time more than the friendship. Initially, I found him extremely charming and reliable. Being a keen observer of human behaviour, I suspected that he could not be trusted. I cooled off towards him.

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His appearance did not stir a single emotion in my heart

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lowly we lost touch. After a couple of years, at a literary function, he spotted me and greeted me. We had a normal and short conversation. He asked for my new address and promised to remain in touch. Later he messaged me uttering How glad he was to see me again. He wanted to renew our relationship. I thanked him politely. That’s all. I did not find an iota of charm in him. I know he is a compulsive liar, not trustworthy at all. There was a time when I would have done anything for him. The separation had pained me a lot, but now his appearance did not stir a single emotion in my heart.

The music of love was not there. His baritone voice did not touch the chord of my core. A liar does not have any place in my core or my life. All I ever want is an honest, truthful, and loving person. A beautiful heart.

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A COMPASSIONATE HEART:

THE NEED OF THE HOUR © Surendra Singnar BEAUTIFUL People with beautiful hearts are the need of the present so-called civilized but sophisticated world. A man who has a beautiful heart always has some beautiful things to say and do. In the kingdom of humanity, the beautiful heart is adorned with exemplary kindness and compassion with the symphony of loving human soul. In the world of love and compassion, there is no place for violence and hatred that leads to destruction to mankind. In the metaphorical sense a person with a beautiful heart is a person whose personality is warm, inviting friendship and security, also considerate, kind, helpful, love and compassion.

All these are the exquisite fabrics that weave the human relationship for sustaining universal peace and harmony among the highest esteemed animals: the human race. The purpose of God’s creation of man was to spread love on the Earth.

God created human out of love for the purpose of sharing love and compassion. People were created to love God and each other.

Additionally, when God created people, He gave them good work to do so that they might experience God’s goodness and reflect His image in the way they care for the world and for each other. In fact, in the beginning, human beings were created with clean and beautiful hearts.

Only a beautiful heart with love and compassion can make in real sense of the Dutch Proverb, “Leuen ende laeten leuven: to live and let others live” first mentioned in 1622

by Gerard de Malynes in his legal journal about trade law, “Ancient Law Merchanti.” This can be possible when you possess a good and beautiful heart then only you can tolerate the opinions and behavior of others so also they will similarly tolerate yours. One must live and allow others to live; hurt no one; for life is dear and precious to all living beings. Thus, the resilience of a beautiful heart is witnessed in its empathy to forgive and spread love amidst adversity. It is a flowing spring of life entwining the human everlasting relationship.

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At the most, a beautiful heart creates a symphony of life’s events that enlightens the outer beauty engulfing heartfelt compassion and kindness that symbolizes in the human society. Notwithstanding, the multitude of beautiful people with beautiful hearts, the turmoil and perilous activities of human race in the modern world are being promoted world-wide leading to the doom days. This is all against the will of God and the will of His beautiful people.

In a world of complex and corrosion of human understanding among nations, different ethos perpetrated by some mighty nations with a motive to excel their strength and power, billions of resources are wasted to showcase their super power of the world.

We cannot deny of the fact that the super power of some First Worlds and the world applaud them widely. Only the precious living souls of 8 Billion people of the world mourn for the loss of more than 37 million people died worldwide in wars since 19th Century. The living souls plead the whole world to shun violence and war for the sake of world peace and harmony where love alone rules the universe of God. Let everyone be God fearing people and harbor beautiful heart in everyone’s body.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the beautiful heart. The heart is the center of our being, where our thoughts and emotions originate. It is no wonder, then, that God is so concerned with our hearts. A clean and beautiful heart is essential to a right and everlasting relationship with mankind and as well with God. Be always beautiful in your heart by being kind, love and compassionate. This kind of beautiful heart will last among men, and God considers it very special in thy sight.

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CHARITABLE CHARACTERS IN SOCIETY Okoi Amadiowei Jacob

Naturally speaking, the word, 'beauty' is a phenomenon with certain feasible features that posit some sort of attractiveness to the sense of sight in terms of the surface appearance of nature or the value of a thing in the physical. Beauty therefore refers to the glaringly sparkling features of a person or a thing that is attractive to a sense of sight for admiration, acceptance, respect, appreciation, and well-wishes by the generality of persons in society. It is an attractive quality that is possessed by a person or a thing for admiration. This means that beauty is a special form of value that requires attention from people.

Beauty therefore possesses some perceptible values of attraction to the eyes in the physical. That is why from generation to generation, beautiful human persons usually enjoy the attention of generality of people in society.

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Expression of Integrity. This is another significant feature of someone with a beautiful heart. Integrity simply means doing the right thing at all time and at all cost. There are people that are notable with this behavioural quality. Personality such as Julius Nyerere of Tanzania. Being a man of integrity, he never manipulated public funds like other African political leaders. He knew that public funds was for public projects and programmes thus made perfect use of such funds when he was the President of Tanzania. He did not even purchase personal cars nor build houses for himself rather made excellent use of the public funds to change the fortune of his country which was one of the poorest countries of the world at then to become a priority country in Africa. He was a role model to generations of African youths in the course of commitment and selfless services to the nation as a public personality.

However in this context, our interest is in the Beauty of the Mind which is in response to the given theme: 'A Beautiful Heart'. Beauty here signifies the phrase, good conscience while heart which is part of the phrase denotes, 'mind'. Thus 'a beautiful heart' is synonymous to good conduct which in turn refers to beauty in behaviour. There are human persons whose forms of behaviour are very beautiful thus attract attention from others in society.

Good conduct without doubt is like a tree with many branches thus will be examined from the following perspectives.

Expression of Humility. Frankly speaking, there are persons with good conduct that are very humble in conduct. Such persons are never noted with passion for pride thus remain humble all the time. They never arrogated unnecessary significance to themselves despite their possession of exceptional qualities in life. Notably among them was Jesus Christ of Nazareth when he was physically present in human society. He was so humble that he washed the feet of his servants with water and cleaned up the water with a towel. He even submitted himself to be baptized by John the Baptist thus is a generational example of humility in society.

Expression of Faithfulness. This is one of the glaring qualities of a beautiful heart. Lionel Messi is an outstanding public personality who had expressed faithfulness to his childhood girl friend in love making which resulted in their getting married as husband and wife with three bouncing baby boys. Thiago, Mateo and Ciro are enjoying perfect parenthood due to Lionel Messi keeping faith with his childhood lover despite being the most popular football player in the universe. He always distanced himself from prying eyes of lustful women who are ever ready to fall in love with him thus Lionel Messi holds unto his promise to Antonella which was established since from their childhood days in the village. He is an absolute epitome of faithfulness in marriage.

Expression of Love and Kindness to Humanity.

This seemed to be the most notable feature of a beautiful heart. From generation to generation, some people need the assistance of others to survive and to succeed in life. However, because of greed for more wealth, many who are favored by God never render such required assistance to the needy in society. Fortunately, few persons have displayed the habit of expressing love and kindness by caring for the needy in society. The Bible recorded the kind gestures of a Christian lady by name of Dorcas whose deeds attracted the attention of God to respond to the cries of the beneficiaries of her kindness which resulted in her coming back to life when she was at the point of death.

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From generation to generation, people with beautiful hearts usually leave legacies of laurels behind so that others will learn from such good conducts of fellow human persons in society. A man or a woman with a beautiful heart must affect the life of people positively with his or her values and achievements which in turn is the planting of a Seed of Significance that will be there in speaking about the good deeds of such a person in society for generations. Just as the adage says: 'a good name is better than silver and gold.' So 'a beautiful heart' is better than money and mansions in life.

Expression of Peace in Society. Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a public personality that is noted with the ideals of peaceful coexistence in society. He demonstrated his love for peace in society during the 2015 presidential election which had been recorded as the most peaceful presidential election in the history of Africa since the introduction of demoncracy in the continent. Although having in his disposal the prerogative to disrupt and cancel the election which was manipulated against an incumbent President, he openly phoned and congratulated his opponent even before the conclusion of collation of the results of the election. He is a man of peace who had demonstrated a beautiful heart by giving preference for the safety of life and property in society than his personal pleasure for power.

Beauty here signifies the phrase, good conscience while heart which is part of the phrase denotes, 'mind'.

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GOLDEN HEART Anjana Prasad “Outer beauty is a gift. Inner beauty is an accomplishment." - Randi G. Fine.

A beautiful heart means inner beauty. It cannot be measured by appearance and features. Charm and beauty is like an air bubble. It is lost with the passing of time.

Inner beauty reflects the way we treat and care for others. How compassionate our hearts are!

Love, kindness, and generosity are a few traits that make a person beautiful from the inside out.

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Finding inner beauty is not a herculean task.

It cannot be found anywhere but is buried deep inside us, and paves the path to selfdiscovery as well. Love begets love, it is an incessant fountain of happiness.

Let's start with something very small. Be thankful, bring a smile to someone's face.

Appreciation is the first step in this process.

By extending gratefulness to family members, milkmen, cab drivers, helpers, nature and inanimate things around us, we present ourselves as true humans.

Affection and goodwill make relationships strong and healthy. The practice of gratitude and kindness does not demand anything. But it reflects the true beauty of a generous heart.

TRY

PLAN

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POE

When we help without expecting we bring a smile to their face. A person who implements moral values, inspires and transforms other's lives. Whenever we demonstrate our core values of being a human it radiates genuine warmth. Its spark leaves a positive impact on the world around us.

Forgiveness transcends boundaries and its essence illuminates the path of life.

A kind heart is a beautiful heart and wins respect. Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela were people with beautiful hearts. They influenced people around the globe with their humility and selfless service.

Empathy sans pretense is humility. It is the true façade of humanity. We should never bereft ourselves of the quality we are born with.

People with true and pure hearts are truly magnetic. The Power of love guides their path and drenchs souls like the first shower of rain, mesmerizing mind like glistening morning dews.

The Golden heart serves as a beacon of humankind. Love finds its way no matter what, it is like a soothing cool breeze one can feel. It connects the human race.

A sincere heart is wrapped with silky gossamer of love, reflects sanity and integrity under the turquoise sky, emits positive vibes and fabricates surroundings with love and blessed cosmic energies. God is love and love is God. Pure bliss and happiness, and it all begins with a beautiful heart "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. "Jimi Hendrix

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CORAZON

HERMOSO

Bernadith De la Cruz

When we hear and know of a person having a good heart, this person is absolutely kind, compassionate, forgives, generous, humble, optimistic, have integrity, thankful, loving and patient, down to earth and many more good characteristics, most specially God centered.

We live in a world that we can only count those who possess a beautiful heart from a very populated area for example. Sad but true! And I hope, you who is reading this right now belongs to the pack of good ones. The good thing is, there are still a lot of good-hearted people.

Can we help each other, hand in hand to spread love to our fellowmen? I am personally extending my gratitude to you for helping making our world a better place to live in.

It says in Ephesians 4:32- “Be kind and compassionate to one another, just in Christ God forgave you.” This is the way of a happy and peaceful life according to the Word of God! It is not easy to have a beautiful heart indeed, but if we handed it all to God, if we offered back our life to Him, nothing is impossible to achieve.

The Word of God also says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

In James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

I am not a preacher, I myself has a lot of trespasses, but still at the end of the day, I choose to cultivate a beautiful heart within me. It takes a great strong courage to stay kind, humble and loving towards another amidst of all temptations around us. So please choose love always no matter what!

That’s a beautiful heart in a spiritual Christian point of view.

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Now let’s see a beautiful heart in a physical point of view. Our heart is one of the many organs of our body and about a size of our fist that do the pumping of blood through our body. It is made up of multiple layers of tissue and is the center of our circulatory system.

How to maintain a beautiful healthy heart? Simply do the following: 1.

Get rest and good sleep 2.

Eat healthy 3.

Exercise/stay fit 4.

Quit smoking 5.

Stay away from second hand smoke 6.

Drink alcohol moderately 7.

Manage/control stress

Love yourself! Love your heart! Love your life!

We sometimes forget and neglect the importance of our hearts in our daily lives until we are already on the edge and can’t go back to rescue it from danger.

Happy valentine’s everyone!

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DO WHAT YOU SAY, SAY WHAT YOU DO Nowadays, we are all haunted by the idea to demand outright change from someone who made wrong. We tend to be become perfect when we are not. We tried to compare that old generations are better than now in terms of choice of words, food to eat, faith and religion to join, songs to sing, person to be loved, friends to accept, clothes to wear and many more that will led us sometimes to become insensitive on the feelings of others. If not all the time, we tend to act like little god over other people.

We are good to pretend that we are good or better than others.

Occasionally, we hide our true colors.

We forget to do and put to action what we say. Normally, we are good in teachings and give best situation in life to emulate but failed to practice what have been said.

By experience, we also sometimes hard to accept negative feedback especially when we give more time and effort to make things possible. We just loved to hear best words to what have been done. Not to offend, we pretend to solicit feedback but if all are negative we are silently offended.

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That line was even part of the oath of office of our elected and appointed officials to be honest all the time. But sad to say that we have government employees and officials are involve to different issues in corruption and others are convicted of corruption. We are really straight to instruct people around us to this and that as part of the organization rules.

We give more weight and high regard to who’s talking anyway rather than what is being said. His/her status, education, and influence to society matter to us. If the person is not that prominent we neglect to give significant what he/she said.

Supposedly, we shall live by a good example regardless of the person’s culture, traditions, norms, race, color, religion, and status in life. We shall treat all equally in the true sense of the word.

We have to believe the popular saying, “Honesty is the best policy” This line is popular to remind us, like our students to be honest in their academic requirements submitted and government employees and officials to be honest in the services given to the public. But, is it still carried out by time?

I really do not know when we are going to end this metaphorical line to require people to follow what we say instead and becoming a doer of our own words and let people follow what we do. Unless all of us have the same desire this will remain as idioms. There is a big challenge on the part of the parents to teach their children the basic values formation and good moral character so that the next generation will have a better society to live in where everyone is valued and respected in thoughts, words, and action.

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