The hindu religion considers the banyan the mightiest of trees. The eternal life, that lives forever thanks to the ever-expanding aerial roots. If we could understand the language of the roots, what would they say?
Insecure words, frustrated with the insignifance of their existence beside the mammoth? Misplaced arrogance that the mammoth depends solely on them for existence?
Being a part of a rich heritage is overwhelming and soothing at the same time. I have years of ancient wisdom in my blood, care of my ancestors and blessing of my family. I also have the responsibility to not let years of traditions stop with me. It is my belief that every little custom in our culture has some meaning to it, some twisted over the years by knaves neverthless. As one of the oldest civilizations, we have observed, experienced, studied and experimented nature over eons and established ground rules that would help us, many passed on through generations - by word of mouth, or through literature. It is my duty to not break the chain and pass this on to the next. To force the coming generations through the same experiences as my ancestors, only to arrive at the same conclusions would be a foolish thing to do indeed.
We had Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations today. For someone who is still confused on 'believing in god', I find the process of preparing for a festival very soothing. I feel good that I am taking pains to learn my customs, so I need not be afraid of breaking the chain. A sense of belonging to a firmly rooted culture, of awe when you feel the family heirloom. Of immense love, when you make something with your own hands, under the direction of an elder, and offer it to someone who you really care for. A mother feeding her kid, a daughter seeking appreciation, a friend wanting to please.
The smell of camphor bringing back old memories, good food and good company made it a very enjoyable, and peaceful occasion.
No wonder Indian festivals are seldom a solitary affair.
May the banyan live forever!
Insecure words, frustrated with the insignifance of their existence beside the mammoth? Misplaced arrogance that the mammoth depends solely on them for existence?
Being a part of a rich heritage is overwhelming and soothing at the same time. I have years of ancient wisdom in my blood, care of my ancestors and blessing of my family. I also have the responsibility to not let years of traditions stop with me. It is my belief that every little custom in our culture has some meaning to it, some twisted over the years by knaves neverthless. As one of the oldest civilizations, we have observed, experienced, studied and experimented nature over eons and established ground rules that would help us, many passed on through generations - by word of mouth, or through literature. It is my duty to not break the chain and pass this on to the next. To force the coming generations through the same experiences as my ancestors, only to arrive at the same conclusions would be a foolish thing to do indeed.
We had Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations today. For someone who is still confused on 'believing in god', I find the process of preparing for a festival very soothing. I feel good that I am taking pains to learn my customs, so I need not be afraid of breaking the chain. A sense of belonging to a firmly rooted culture, of awe when you feel the family heirloom. Of immense love, when you make something with your own hands, under the direction of an elder, and offer it to someone who you really care for. A mother feeding her kid, a daughter seeking appreciation, a friend wanting to please.
The smell of camphor bringing back old memories, good food and good company made it a very enjoyable, and peaceful occasion.
No wonder Indian festivals are seldom a solitary affair.
May the banyan live forever!
