So we have ISIS, followed by Taliban, notorious Kim Jong
Un, the perennial Kashmir, vexing Arvind Kejriwal and the recent JNU
boloney and many others... Namely the big problems of the World!
Here’s a circular scaled map of the entire known
Universe in a single field of view using logarithmic maps and satellite images
collected by NASA and ESA missions. Now, I am particularly fascinated by it!
Among various astronomical
things it makes me realize, “How tiny am I and my troubles.” In the above map
my existence and presence is NIL. Oops...
But look at my Magnanimity!
By sheer ignoring food, I have the power to turn around scenarios! Well sadly,
that’s no Creating a Difference or Changing the World moment.
Hindus dedicate 9 days to
the Mother Goddess which is what is known as the Navratris. In my definition, the Dedication is
about Indulgence. Astronomically also, this is a good setting, like there’s magic in
the Air! (Like the Universe will be positive and take care of itself and we
mortals needn’t worry much - or pretend to). On second thoughts, maybe
not everyone feels it.
Of the ones who ‘get it’ :) ;
some observe fasts, yes because they wish to enjoy this effect on themselves; some
observe other rituals like chanting and kirtan. And yes that brings me to
saying that after 5 years of experimenting with myself, I’d say that the
concept of Vrat is not about conquering food and condiments. It is mere
celebration of the cosmos and its conspiracies.
Dedicating ourselves to the
goddesses, by meditation and mantras during these days helps us connect to the
cosmos better. In the longer run of life food just becomes the least in
priority temptations for us, music, mind and madness take an importance. The
phenomenon of 'God is in the Details' and the 'Brilliance of the Cosmos' is adored
and admired most often. With a higher awareness of body and sustenance, food is
acknowledged only as a fuel for energy. The simpler the better and this is what
made me a vegetarian with a sandwich fixation.
I may as I grow, understand life more clearly as I have learnt or opened up a few layers over
the years while accepting fasts. A more profound and vivid conversation takes place in between the mind and the body these days and both are happy in each other’s company.
Fasters would have been best left alone, yet, there runs a parallel, inevitable life. They
always strive to get back to the conversation leapfrogging the obstructions or disturbances. It’s
the same feeling when two blissfully playing toddlers are separated or when two
pets take extreme fancy to each other.
Food here becomes a mere
Fuel and the smallest of problems. One eats what is available the easiest and
doesn’t let the conversation be bothered (basically avoiding the burps and farts during the talk).
I pray if everyone could
fast to get a sense of their body and mind, and be humbled by the real magnanimous Cosmos, yet I won’t motivate others to. Or maybe after nine days; meanwhile, I am
too happy enjoying my state and the cosmic conversations :)
Happy Navratris!
Happy Navratris!