ILL-FATED events that can turn life up-side down.

Hi Readers,

This blog is about my thoughts on some incident that can change a person's life altogether. I got to write about it, after hearing a painful news yesterday.

One of the intercity bus from operator Jabbar Travels met with an accident on the way from Bangalore to Hyderabad. The driver wanted to overtake a car when its front tyre burst and the diesel fuel tank adjacent to it exploded. It immediately caught fire and fire started to expand through the AC neon gas chamber. People could not escape because the central locking system did not gave them a easy way to come out. Only seven people could escape the accident and rest 45 people were burnt alive.

One of them was a techie from Cuttack, he was returning home to meet his newborn baby girl, born just 6 days before. My parents knew his family. Though, I never met him, I came to know that his father is suffering from paralysis, his mother has got retirement from her job few years ago and he has a young brother. Well, this is just any other ill-fated accident that kills and swaps families. Many techies, including a fresher who just got a offer letter, a couple who went for health check up and people who came to their families to celebrate Diwali met with this accident.  I was discussing about it with my mom, when she said why people do not like some children just like the newborn baby girl who lost her father just after her birth.

True, is not it. When her mother would watch her, she would be reminded of her beloved husband. Her grandparents would get reminded of their son's demise. It is true she is not the culprit, but this happened just after her birth. Her birthday, would haunt everyone of her father's demise. When she will grow up, even she will bear this pain always. She could be the only reason why her mother would fight with this trauma of loosing her husband. She has to be strong and would have to struggle to meet the needs of her child. This relates to the life of one of my cousin.

I have a cousin sister, whose husband went missing when she was merely six months pregnant, her marriage was not even a year long, when suddenly her husband disappeared. They used to stay at Kolkata, where her husband was working. When she was pregnant, her brother also came to stay with them. One day, her husband went for shopping and never returned. Its been more than 15 yrs now. Her daughter who was born after 3 months of this event is now in college. She named her Pal Pratikshya meaning waiting for the moment. In short waiting for her father to return. She has been struggling for her life and her child's future since then. Somehow, I also understand only because of her child she could sustain all stress.She could overcome the tragic incident and became courageous enough to fight back and stand on her own feet. She started working, living all alone with a little kid. She had to face ridiculous comments coming from relatives and society. I do not know why, but people criticize the survivor a lot? Why? Just because, that person did not gave up. It is also true people have sympathy. But, some people are just very happy to see someone in pain. They give additional pain on top of it by their words.

But, thinking about the child sometimes, I feel more pain. Just because the child lost someone important in life just before or after her birth, she is not loved the way she would have received it. That is fate. What can one do? The mother has two important people in her life, one is her child and other her husband. She just can't be happy loosing one. Same thing happens to girls when they get married, if something bad happens, she is blamed. As though she has created that event herself. Moreover, people also remark, had a boy be born. What is the difference with a newborn girl or a boy? If its a boy can the child immediately after birth take care of his family. Even if its a boy or a girl, they need family support to attain a certain age, when they can be responsible or help the mother.

But, this is our notion, societal norm that only a boy is eligible to take care of parents. Gender is enough to help the parents. How? I really do not understand it. But, I know this is not going to change at-least for my generation. I hope this mentality changes and makes a better society for girls in our next generation.

This too shall pass...

Hi Readers,

I am back again with my thoughts.Sometimes, when we do same work day in and day out...life seems to be boring, no excitement. True, even if there is fun and adventure filled in each day ,after a while that starts to feel boring.

If you ask friends, families they would suggest to go out have fun....blah blah. However, many a times we are so screwed that even if we want to plan something that does not work out. For example, you have an aging parent to take care of. Taking care of a patient would seem so boring when it continues for years. But, we require to do it. Sometimes, you have small children, whom we can't take to all places where we want to go. This is when life seems so odd.

 With evolution of technology and social media, this has made the situation even more tricky. We get to see what our friends are doing. Sometimes, it gives us idea as to what we could do and sometimes we really feel jealous why we could not. But, yes certainly we have reasons why we could not do. Though, no one else might know what has restricted you, you know it. This is not the time to feel otherwise, but focus on where we need to provide support and love. For some of us, we have house to be cleaned, children to be loved and job to go to. The channel of our life cannot be turned and we should not be day-dreaming of doing so. Life is sometimes hard, sometimes boring but that is Life. Life has a purpose, a meaning and we are not meant to watch it but live it.Not to seek love, but to seek to provide love.

When life seems to be tough, and we feel unloved, forgotten or worthless, that is when life is most meaningful. That is when we should focus on life, and try our best to achieve its purpose. When we want to ask " Does it matter if I live" that is when we should shift our focus and make our life matter, we should shift focus from receiving love, to giving self less love. Our life goes through changes, phases, of episodes, of tragedies, but it goes on. And it goes on with a purpose.

I remember my Mother used to say, ask god to give you patience, tolerance and strength to face any difficulty. I never used to get why she used to say this, why she never said me to ask for wealth, health or something else. Now, as I age, my Mom's word seems so true. Our life and its purpose can only be achieved with patience and strength.She used to say, everyone goes to God, they blast at him for not providing this , that etc etc. God has so much of patience that he listens to everyone. Ask him to give a portion of his patience, a portion of his tolerance and a portion of his strength.

I don't know how, but with challenges that you face each and everyday, the quality of patience and tolerance grows automatically. If you feel you are being impatient... then try and ask almighty to give you a portion of his. After all this is a part of your life, this is not the end. So, remember this phase will also pass and you will get another morning filled with what you wanted. Till that time, have patience and remember THIS TOO SHALL PASS. 

Why truth hurts?

Hi Readers,

I am back again with my thoughts. Today, it is about truth. Yes, truth always hurts. You say it in a rude way, truth can end strong relationships, you say it politely but still it can damage. So, though in school we were taught to speak truth and be truthful to our parents, we actually learn to lie, to modify our statements so that that is palatable and does not hurt anybodies sentiments. 

We grow mature , and what is maturity,the way we behave in public. We are still the same child who wants everyone to love him/her, pay attention to him/her. But, maturity realizes us we have to ignore being ignored, being less favored. The things that plays utmost importance is what one can achieve. Maturity, truth and false all just go hand in hand to let us realize we have to adjust. The moment you do not adjust, you fall out of circle. Be it your family, your friends, the place where you live or the people you interact with, everyone wants co-operation. With the struggle of life, every individual learns slowly or quickly that by acting smartly, convincing others, things can be achieved. You could be truthful, but if you are hurting someone, you are never favored. 

For example, in a family of two siblings, the mother also favors the one who talks to her politely, consoles her when she wants to hear that. Where as the other child could actually say truth, would want everything good for his/her mother, but she seems to ignore if the child is little arrogant. Take our Indian scriptures, we have so much written about sages, sages like Rishi Durvasha. He was a much learned man, he was a great sage, was another incarnation of Lord Shiva, but he was short tempered. People remember him for his temper. The devas and asuras always received Rishi Durvasa with much devotion, but yes they feared him. They were afraid, one small mistake by them would not be spared by Rishi Durvasa, and he will curse them. 

Rishi Durvasa never told lies, but still, his truth and curse left everyone with fear. Getting things done at the behest of fear, is only possible by anti-social people, but not by every ordinary individual. If you want to rise, want to be remembered with love, you have to control speaking truth that hurts other's sentiment. 

I remember, after one of my post ( The school essay competition)someone said to me, why I wrote that, was it because I wanted to ridicule my school teachers. I just wrote my feelings and my thoughts about that incident, but may be it was not something everyone would like. My sole intention was to encourage our children to think big, which got lost somewhere, when this friend of mine pointed to me this way. I thought this several times, before writing my mind out. What can a person write, either you could be a great composer, who can compose stories out of no-where, or you can relate the things around you. Why people get hurt ? Just because it has got some connectivity with them. People ignore when it does not actually have any connection. But, they always fear being criticized. But, what we overlook is critics actually, point out where you can improve. Sometimes, we ourselves overlook the room where we can actually improve and make it big. 

I remember the Kabir doha on having critics and taking criticism positively.

Nindak Neare Rakhiye Angan Kuti Chhaway
Bin Pani Sabun Bina Nirmal Kare Subhay


Keep Critic Close To You / Be Always In Touch With Him, It Will Decorate / Improve / Guide / Comfort Your Life

It Will Clean Your Defective Mind / Character Without Much Efforts.

But Most Important Is Taking Criticism, You Have To Take Calmly, Understand It, Think Over It With Open Mind, Throw Unwanted One And Grasp / Apply Useful One.

So, the whole thing is if someone says truth, that helps in realizing where one can make adjustment's or modification to improve. But, yes speaking truth always just like a critic hampers your own relationship. Both are a necessity of this society. What is important is to know when to stop and how to get your words across. Truth is good, but it hurts. As a mature individual we need to make judicious use of it. So, my thought is be truthful judiciously.

Thank you.

Navaratri Fasting and feasting in a healthy way

Hinduism has been associated with lunar calendar and also it associates most of its festivals according to the climate and harvest season in India. Navaratri, be it Sarodiya or the Basant Navaratri, both are the transition from one major season to another. Indian traditional calendar divides climate into 6 different categories. During Basant Ritu the season changes from winter to summer and during Sarad Ritu climate changes from summer to winter.

Though we have monsoon season which again makes the change is climate from summer to monsoon then monsoon to winter. But, the change from summer to winter and winter to summer goes along the rotation of Sun. That is called Uttarayan and Dhakinayan. During this Uttarayan, we celebrate the Sarodiya Navaratri and Chhat Puja in Bihar. We are advised to fast and feast on lighter foods that are easy to digest, has less oil and spices, because our immunity to the climate change is not at its best. Various states have there own festival that somehow advises us to take certain food and restricts some other. One of them is Navaratri, which is widely celebrated across many states in India.

Here, are some of the things that is recommended to be taken or restrain one from eating during this holy time. Restraining from non-veg and more spicy food allows cleansing of the human body. Taking more fruits, water and less spicy food enables taking in good nutrients and allowing the digestive system to function properly when our immunity in general is hampered due to climate change. Lets now have a look at the things that we usually feast during this time.

1- Water/ Fruit juices - Navaratri festival do not restrict one on intake of water and fruit juices. It is advisable to have lots of water, fruit juices, milk , lassi etc. These allows the body to maintain the normal fluid level and helps in cleansing the digestive system. 

2- Fruits :- Eating lots of fruits helps in getting essential vitamins and mineral intake. It helps in cleansing body.

3- Dry fruits - Keeping long gap between meals, could hamper the normal digestion and lead to acidity, but munching on dry fruits and Makhana ( Puffed lotus seeds) helps to elevate this problem.

4- Sabudana/Tapioca balls - This  has high content of starch or Carbohydrate, it is easy to digest and is usually permitted to be eaten when one is sick. This is because, it instantly provides energy. You can have Sabudana Khichdee, Sabudana Payasam/kheer. These are healthy and have less oil and fat.

5- Kuttu ka atta/ Buckwheat flour - Kuttu ke puri is widely eaten during this time. Yes, Puri usually contains more oil, you can try recipes that could be made with buckwheat like buckwheat pancake or buckwheat paratha with less oil in it. Buckwheat as such is a rich source of manganese and is proven to have lowered blood cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is rich in a flavonoid Rutin. This Flavonoid acts as antioxidant and improves immunity.

6- Singhare ka atta/ water chestnut flour :- This is Indian water chestnut(Trapa Bispinosa) which is proven to have many health benefits. This is low in fat, high in Manganese thus is used to treat thyroid disorder. It is a good source of energy , rich in polyphenolic and favonoids thus acts as antioxidant.

7- Rajgira ka atta /Amaranth flour :- This is rich in protein and essential amino acids. Cooked Amaranth is rich in Vitamin A,C, riboflavin, calcium, iron,folate, copper, manganese etc. It has been proven that daily intake of Amaranth helps in reducing hypertension, blood pressure and cholesterol. 

8- Peanuts :- This is rich in niacin, manganese, folate and vitamin E. It contains mono-saturated fat. 

9-Makhane / Puffed Lotus seeds :- This is rich in flavonoids and dietary fiber. It has anti-aging properties and helps in avoiding constipation. 

10- Milk/Curd :- Milk/Curd are rich in protein. Curd has cooling effect on body.

Consuming above ingredients with less oil and spices, helps one to absorb good nutrients, vitamin & minerals. It helps in cleansing process and building the immunity of body. It also makes one restore immunity and prepare for the transition of climate. So, feasting on fruits and recipes that are healthy makes one stronger. Having faith in one's own deity , building spiritual connection also helps in making one stronger at emotional level. Thus, fast and feast this season, have faith in Maa Ambe and build a better life.

Thank you.

Sodasha Upachara of Maa Durga

In Odisha, Durga Puja is celebrated in two different ways, one is in Pandals that is Sarodiya Durga Puja which is started from the new moon day of Sukla Paksha and lasts till the Navami or ninth day of bright fortnight or Sukla Paksha. The other is in Shakti Peethas or temples dedicated to Shakti which starts from Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha and ends on Navami tithi of Sukla Paksha that is it starts from eighth day of dark fortnight and ends on ninth day of bright fortnight. This is also known as Sodasha Dinatmak ( 16 days festival).

There are many famous shrines of Mata, where she worshiped in various forms of Nava Durga or Dasha Mahavidya. Below, is picture of Suna Besha of Maa Chandi, Cuttack.

Below, is a list of shrines devoted to Maa Durga in Odisha.

1- Goddess Vimala, Puri Jagannath Temple
2- Goddess Tara Tarini , Berhampur
3- Goddess Mangala, Kaktapur
4- Goddess Sarala, Jhankada, Jagatsinghpur
5- Goddess Biraja, Jajpur town
6- Goddess Hingula, Talacher
7- Goddess Samalei, Sambalpur
8- Goddess Chandi, Cuttack
9- Goddess Tarini, Keojhar
10- Goddess Kichakeswari, Khinching
11- Goddess Ambika, Baripada
12- Goddess Bhadrakali, Aharpada,Bhadrak
13- Goddess Ramachandi, Konark
14 - Goddess Bata Mangala, Balasore
15- Goddess Bhagabati, Banapur
16-Goddess Chamunda, Baitala Deula , Bhubaneswar
17- Goddess Bhattarika, Atagarh
18- Goddess Charchika, Banki
19- Goddess Chausathi Jogini, Outskirt of Bhubaneswar
20- Goddess Kali, Kalijai, Chillika
21- Goddess Ghanteswari, Sambalpur
22- Goddess Kanakdurga, Berhampur
23- Goddess Lankeswari, Sonepur
24- Goddess Ugra Tara, Khorda
25 - Goddess Maheswari, Atthamallik
26- Goddess Majhighariani, Rayagada
27- Goddess Manikeswari, Kalahandi
28- Goddess Saptamatruka, Jajpur
29- Goddess Siddha Bhairabi, Ganjam
30- Goddess Sureswari, Sonepur

Below is a picture of Maa Mangala, Kakatpur.

After from these temples, there are many other ancient temples that is dedicated to Maa Durga. All these temples, celebrate Durga Puja and Sodasha Upachara is done in most of these temples. Maa Durga is decorated with many ornaments, clothes to form many Besha out of which Suna Besha is quiet famous. Devotees visit the temple on these days and pray to Maa Durga and seek her blessings.

Bhisma Pitamah - True Khashtriya

Hi Readers,

Today, I am going to put across my thoughts on Bhisma Pitamah and would describe him and his role in Mahabharat. It is not easy to describe Bhisma, his role in Mahabharat and his character in just a post. But, yes one who knows more or less about Mahabharat would definitely fall in love with the righteous and the mightiest King. There are many characters that I personally adore in Mahabharat, and I place Bhisma at the top of the list. He is regarded as true Khstriya because he always thinks and does the thing that favors well being of an entire Kingdom. He protects and nurtures Hastinapur for years, till he thinks he can now live it in good hands to be taken care of. Lets me now, go into the story of Bhisma.

Once, the eight Vasus (attendants of Indra) or Astavasu namely Anala, Anila, Aha, Pratyusha, Prabhash, Dhara, Soma, Dhruva visited Sage Vashista with their wife. Vashista had the possession of Kamadhenu, the mother cow who had ability to fulfill all the desires of its owner. She could produce warriors to protect the sage and give milk and milk products for everyday use. Prabhas's wife wanted Kamadhenu and persuaded Prabhash to steal her from Vashista. Prabhash persuaded all the Vasus and they planned to steal Kamadhenu. However, they were caught red handed by Vashista. And Vashista cursed them for this action. His curse was that they all have to take Human birth and lead a painful long human life. Open hearing Vashista's curse, all the Vasus pleaded for mercy. Since, a curse cannot be taken back, Vashita reduced the curse. He reduced all the seven Vasus who assisted Prabhash in this activity in such a way that they have to take up birth as human, but they will be liberated of this human birth soon after. However, since Prabhash was the mastermind behind this act, he have to lead a long painful human life. But, he will be illustrious man of his time. All the vasus then prayed to river goddess Ganga to be their Mother.

Goddess Ganga then incarnated herself  to a beautiful lady. One day, she was roaming near Ganga basin, when Santanu (king of Hastinapur) saw her and instantly fell in love. Santanu persuaded Ganga to marry him. She asked him to promise her that whatever she will do, he will not complain. Santanu agreed and they both got married. When Ganga gave birth to her first seven sons, she would take them with her and drown in river Ganga. Santanu kept watching her silently. When the eighth son was born, Santanu, could not keep himself restrained and pleaded Ganga to let the child live. This eighth child was Prabhash, who was suppose to lead a long human life. So, Ganga agreed and promised Prabhash to return her son when he attains his youth. He was named Devavrata. 

Ganga got Devavrata trained in all the subjects from political science to martial arts from various Sages like Vashista, Markendeya, Brihaspati, Sukracharya and Parsurama. When he attained youth, he had mastered all the knowledges that is required to be righteous King. Ganga now retured him to Santanu.

Santanu, wanted Devavrata to rule and be crowned as the Prince of  Hastinapur. After, the crowning ceremony, Devavrata came to know of his father's wish to marry  Satyavati,the daughter of fisherman. But, her father did not wish to give her hand to Santanu. Bhisma/Devavrata on hearing the terms and conditions of the king of Fisherman, took the oath to remain unmarried and would not be king, so that the sons of Satyavati could be crowned as King of Hastinapur. Bhisma took oath to lead a life of celibacy so that it will be Satyavati's offspring that would always reign on Hastinapur. Devavrata's vow touched his father's heart and he granted a boon that gave control over his own death( Swechha mrityu). From then on Devavrata was known as Bhisma because of the Bhisan Pratigya ( Strong vow) that he took. 

After his father Santanu's death, Bhisma's half brother Chitragad also died and Vichitravira was crowned as Prince. Bhisma went to Kashi on Swayambar of Amba, Ambika and Ambalika (daughter's of King of Kashi) , to get these Princess to marry his half brother Vichitravira. With his strength and intelligence, he convinced King of Kashi to send in his daughter's to marry Vichitravira. However, the eldest princess Amba was in love with another king Salva whom she would have married in Swayambar had Bhisma not been there. When Bhisma came to know about this, he allowed Amba to get married to Salva, but Salva didn't accept Amba as his wife. Amba was furious with Bhisma and wanted to marry him as Bhisma's won all of them in their Swayambar. Since, Bhisma was Bhramachari he could not do so. Furious with Bhisma, Amba went to Bhisma's Guru Parshuram to provide her justice.  Parshuram fought with Bhisma for 23 days and he was able to please his Guru Parshuram. Amba did great penance to please Lord Shiva and got a boon that in her next life, she will be born as a man who would be instrumental in Bhisma's death. She was born was Shikandi in next birth.

As Bhisma had vowed, he always remained as a true adviser and protector of the King of Hastinapur. When Kauravs and Pandav's fought for the crown, Bhisma was the only person who wanted always to bring to an end to this war. Even though he was general from Kaurav side, he always tried to minimize confrontation between both groups. He tried to persuade Kaurav and Pandav to come up with a mutual agreement. 

He is regarded as a true Khastiya because he always fulfilled his duty towards kingdom, never showed anger and passion. He was a symbol of truth and duty. He saw five generations, and kept himself alive till the power was transffered to Yudhistira. He knew Yudhistira would keep Dharma on front and would fulfill all his duty towards Hastinapur so he accepted death on Kurushetra. He was also true devotee of Krishna. On his death bed, he gave meaningful lessons on Political science and duties of a King to Yudhistira. He was the beloved and most adored of all to both Pandav and Kaurav as their great grand father. Thus, he is known as Bhisma Pitamah , Pitamah meaning great grand father. Below, is a list of his lessons that he gave to Yudhistira on death bed.

Bhismadeva advised for all human beings nine qualifications:

Not to become angry

Not to lie

To equally distribute wealth

To forgive

To beget children only by one's legitimate wife

To be pure in mind and hygienic in body

Not to be inimical toward anyone

To be simple

To support servants or subordinates.

Bhisma also advises this:

1. To get freedom from anger, one should learn how to forgive.

2. To be free from unlawful desires one should not make plans.

3. By spiritual culture one is able to conquer sleep.

4. By tolerance only can one conquer desires and avarice.

5. Disturbances from various diseases can be avoided by regulated diets.

6. By self-control one can be free from false hopes.

7. Money can be saved by avoiding undesirable association.

8. By practice of yoga one can control hunger.

9. Worldliness can be avoided by culturing the knowledge of impermanence.

10. Dizziness can be conquered by rising up.

11. False arguments can be conquered by factual ascertainment.

12. Talkativeness can be avoided by gravity and silence.

13. By prowess one can avoid fearfulness.

14. Perfect knowledge can be obtained by self-cultivation.

In Shrimad-Bhagavatam (1.9.27) Bhishma instructs King Yudhishthira in the following dharma:

dana-dharma, or public acts of charity, 

raja-dharma, or the duties of a king, 

moksha-dharma, or duties for salvation, 

stri-dharma, or duties for women, and ultimately 

bhagavata-dharma, or pure devotional service to the Lord.

He said to Yudhistira about Dharma as 

Tadrisho ayam anuprashno yatra dharmaha sudurlabaha

Dushkamha pralisankhyatum tatkenatra vysvasyathi

Prabhavarthaya bhutanam dharmapravachanam kritam

Yasyat prabhavasamyuktaha sa dharma iti nischayaha.

It is most difficult to define Dharma. Dharma has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely Dharma. The learned rishis have declared that that which sustains is Dharma.

Sage Uddalak and Shwetaketu - Chandogya Upanisad

Hi Readers,

This story is a brief of the story in Chandogya Upanisad, on Sage Uddalak's teaching on oneness of the soul.
Have you ever wondered who and where is God? Why can we not see Him? How did he create the world? Here is a story from the Chandogya Upanishad which answers your doubts.

Long, long ago, there lived a sage named Uddalaka. He had a son named Swetaketu. When Swetaketu was seven years old, Uddalaka invested him with the sacred thread and sent him to a gurukul to continue his studies under a suitable guru.

Swetaketu was a bright and diligent student, and learnt all he could from his guru, pleasing everyone at the gurukul. Finally, his studies complete, he returned home, bursting with pride at his achievement.

Uddalaka saw his son approaching the ashram, and realized at once that his son had returned filled with pride and ego. He was saddened, for true learning and knowledge brings not pride, but humility. A true scholar is one who has subdued his ego and humbly bows before the Supreme.

Uddalaka decided that he would have to complete his son’s education himself, and called Swetaketu. The boy arrived with a smile, ready to tell his father about all that he had learnt and all the praises he had received.

Swetaketu was received by his father with a question. “My son,” said Uddalaka “I am sure you have learnt all there is to learn at the gurukul. Do you now have the knowledge by which one can hear what can not be heard, by which one can see what can not be seen, and by which one can know what can not be known?”

Swetaketu was not only stunned, but also confused by his father’s question. How could one hear that which could not be heard, see what could not be seen, or know what could not be known? His father was a great rishi. Surely he had some knowledge that he hadn’t learnt so far. Part of his pride fell away as he asked his father respectfully, “Father, I do not have the knowledge of what you speak. Can you please explain this to me, since I do not understand?”

Uddalaka replied, “My son, I am talking about that which is inherent in all things. For example, once you have seen a lump of clay, you can recognize all objects made of clay. Similarly, once you have seen a nugget of gold, you can identify all items made of gold. In the same way, once you have seen a piece of iron, you can recognize all objects made of iron, no matter how different they may seem. For, it is not the shape, size or use of the object, but what they are made up of, which is important. Similarly, everything in the universe has different names and forms, but there is something inherent in all of them. Do you know what that is?”

Swetaketu bowed before his father and said, “Father, I do not know of these things. Perhaps my gurus too did not know of this, for if they had, they would surely have taught it to me. Please teach me this knowledge of which you speak.”

Pleased with his son’s humble request, Uddalaka said, “Listen, my son, I shall tell you how this world was created. In the beginning, there was only the ‘Sat’ or the One True Being. Having decided to create other beings, he first created Tejas (Fire), Apas (Water) and Annam (Food). Entering them as the Jivatma (Soul), he brought them to life and gave them name and form. He then decided to multiply further, and made them merge in different ratios to create more beings. These are what we know by various names today as Indra, Surya, and others.”

The rishi continued, “The three basic forms had merged to create more forms, but the basic nature of the three constituents were retained. Agni or fire showed itself as the red colour, while water showed itself as white and food as black. Even in their new forms, they showed themselves, for example, in the sun, what we call Surya or Aditya, the red colour is due to the fire, the white due to water and black due to food or earth.”

The sage explained further, “The basic forms of all beings are only the first three forms to be created – Tejas, Apas and Annam. Even in these three forms, it is the Sat, the True Being, who is the one form within all these three. Thus, the Sat alone is all, for all are different names for Him!”

Uddalaka concluded, “My son, the Sat is all powerful, for all beings are just His reflections. We call Him by many names, the True Being, the Supreme, and the Brahman. But they are all just different names for the all powerful One who is the essence of all life. Once we know Him, we know everything else. It is from Him that we all are born, and it is into Him that we merge when we die. We come into contact with Him within ourselves when we meditate. He pervades all and destroys all. He is the only perfect One. My dear son, you are not Him!”

Swetaketu was humbled by his father’s words, for he realized how little he knew. He said, with folded hands, “Father, please tell me more about the Supreme Being, for I want to know more about Him.”

Uddalaka was happy to see that his son was showing the signs of humility and a desire for knowing the real truth. He said, “My son, observe how the bees collect nectar from different flowers and make honey in their hive. Is it possible to distinguish the nectar of the different flowers from the honey? So also, we are all different, but in essence, it is the one true being that unites us all!”

He continued, “My son, see the rivers which merge into the sea. The waters of the different rivers appear different. But the sea into which the merge does not change. So also, we are all different forms of the true being. We appear different due to our forms, but we arise from the same source, and merge into the same – which is the Supreme!”

The sage then asked Swetaketu to bring a fruit and cut it into two. Uddalaka asked, “What do you see?” Swetaketu replied, “I can see seeds.” Uddalaka said, “Cut a seed into two and tell me what you see.” Swetaketu replied, “Father, there is nothing inside the seed.” Uddalaka smiled and replied, “Son, you can not see anything inside this seed, but from this tiny seed sprouts a huge tree. So also from the One True Being sprouts the entire universe!”

Next, Uddalaka asked Swetaketu to bring a glass of water and some salt. He asked Swetaketu to put the salt in the water and asked, “Can you see the salt now? Can you take it out?” Swetaketu replied, “Father, I can not see the salt, for it has dissolved in the water, and I can not take it out.” Uddalaka now asked Swetaketu to take a sip from the glass. Swetaketu replied, “The water is salty.” Uddalaka asked Swetaketu to taste the water from all portions of the glass, and Swetaketu replied that the water tasted salty everywhere. Uddalaka explained, “My son, you can not see the salt, but you can taste it. Similarly, the Supreme being pervades every atom of this universe, even though we can not see Him.”

Swetaketu understood at last the significance of Sat, and felt humble as he realized the magnitude of the One True Being. In course of time, he became a great rishi himself.

Thus, we too should understand that the only perfect one is the Lord, and all we see around us are His forms. We are, but tiny specks of his creation, and must remember this and learn to be humble. Humility is indeed the greatest of all virtues, for only then can we realize the truth.