Airport farewell!!

 The yearning in my soul

Desires a glimpse

Of that special face

That once held my heart

Will it bring joy or pain?

Tears or indifference?

I cannot foresee

The outcome of this wish

Why here, in this airport,

Do I silently hope

For one final look

Into those familiar eyes?

I cannot fathom

But before my time ends,

I long to witness

Their gaze once more

Will they reflect happiness

Or sorrow's shadow?

Or will I encounter

A stranger's vacant stare?

Is it right or wrong

To dwell on such thoughts?

I still cannot discern

Perhaps I never truly believed

Our paths would diverge

Had someone hinted at the end,

I might have prepared my heart

A farewell, unspoken,

Haunts my memory.

I yearn for a chance

To say goodbye, one last time

Why does my heart remain so tender,

My mind so captivated by this wish?

I cannot quell its longing,

Nor comprehend its source.

The paradox of Belief!!

I recently watched a video of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, who sadly passed away. In the video, he was masterfully playing the sound of Shiva's damru, accompanied by the resonance of a conch shell on his tabla.

Before his performance, he beautifully described the divine atmosphere of Kailash Parvat, where Shiva plays his damru, surrounded by his disciples playing conches and Ganesha watching over. His narration was simply captivating.

This is the true essence of faith: respecting and appreciating the beliefs of others, just as one would their own. In Odia culture, our prayers to Lord Jagannath are incomplete without mentioning Bhakta Salabega, a Muslim by birth but a devout devotee. Similarly, Dasia Bauri, a devotee whose coconut offering halts the chariot procession, and Manika Gauduni, to whom Jagannath gifted his ring, are revered.

Despite acknowledging these great devotees, we continue to discriminate. Why is it so difficult to accept that people of other faiths are human, just like us? Even after years of education that promotes inclusivity, we often cling to rigid orthodoxies and resist change. Why?

Great reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar fought against such narrow-mindedness, yet we still hesitate to embrace their ideals.

Sometimes, I feel a surge of revolutionary spirit and question traditional beliefs. But I realize that true change can only come from within. Until people are ready to change themselves, I cannot force it upon them.

The parable of the chariot!!

 This is a story explained in Katha Upanishad. Here it goes as below,

Imagine a grand chariot, a symbol of the human body. Within this chariot, a wise and noble soul resides, the true self, the Atman. This soul is the ultimate passenger, the silent observer of the journey.

Guiding this chariot is a skilled charioteer, the intellect, or Buddhi. With a steady hand, the charioteer holds the reins, representing the mind, or Manas. These reins control the powerful horses, symbolizing the five senses. The senses, like spirited steeds, are constantly pulling in different directions, drawn to the alluring sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches of the world.

The path the chariot traverses is the world itself, filled with countless distractions and temptations. The charioteer must navigate this path with wisdom and discernment, ensuring the horses remain focused and the chariot stays on course.

A wise charioteer understands the true nature of the self and the impermanent nature of the world. They recognize that the soul is not bound by the body or the senses. It is a divine spark, pure and eternal.

The goal of the journey is to transcend the limitations of the physical body and the mind. By cultivating self-awareness and controlling the senses, the soul can break free from the cycle of rebirth and attain liberation.

The parable of the chariot teaches us that true happiness and fulfillment lie not in the pursuit of worldly pleasures, but in the realization of our true nature. By understanding the intricate relationship between the self, the mind, and the senses, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlighten

ment.

Alpana's

 Some more Alpana's that I did long back. 

हृदय की पुकार!!

 

दिल में जलन, आँखों में नमी,

जीना हुआ है मुश्किल, कमी।

युवावस्था में ही छोड़ा जीवन,

क्यों नहीं मिलती मुझे ये शांति निंद्रा?

दूसरों की खुशी, मेरा कर्तव्य,

अपनी चाहतें, बस एक व्यर्थ कल्पना।

बंधनों में बंधी, मैं उड़ नहीं पाती,

मन ही मन में, मैं रोती, हँसती।

कृतज्ञ होना चाहिए, ये मैं जानती,

परंतु मन उदास, आँखें नम सी रहतीं।

स्वयं के लिए कुछ करना, बस एक ख्वाब,

दुःख की गहराइयों में, खोई रहती हूँ अब।

  

A question for the ages: To obey or not to obey!!

Hiranyakashipu, a demonic king, had a son named Prahlada, renowned for his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. Prahlada's son, Virochana, was, unfortunately, a demon. Virochana's son, Mahabali, however, was another great devotee.

A young boy, perhaps a descendant of this lineage, once pondered a profound question. He asked his father, "Shri Rama, revered as Purushottam, obeyed his father, King Dasharatha. Prahlada, on the other hand, defied his father, Hiranyakashipu, and is celebrated for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. Should I, then, obey you or follow my own path of devotion?"

The father, faced with this logical query, responded with a touch of irony. "We do not live in the Satya Yuga or Treta Yuga, my son. We are in the Kali Yuga. Therefore, it is best for both of us to listen to your mother."

The Devine Feminine Power: Story of Maa Lakshmi!!

Mata Lakshmi, a Revolutionary Figure

Mata Lakshmi is revered for her revolutionary spirit, having challenged many traditional customs. The Margashira Masa Gurubar puja is a testament to her legacy.

Legend has it that she sought Lord Jagannath's permission to visit any place on this sacred day. She chose to visit the humble abode of a low-caste woman who worshiped her with deep devotion. By doing so, she championed equality and demonstrated that divine grace is not confined to a particular caste. True devotion, coupled with good character, can elevate anyone, regardless of their social standing.

When ostracized, Mata Lakshmi temporarily withdrew her divine powers from her husband to highlight his shortcomings. She even compelled Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra to recognize their mistakes and rectify them.

This powerful narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the fight against caste discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills, hygiene, and spirituality. Moreover, it showcases the profound influence a woman can exert within a household, challenging patriarchal norms.