THE ACTUAL RAMAYANA

Rama means “Sarveshu Ramante Iti Ramah” – that which revels in every one of us, the pure light of consciousness, the Atman, the Self. Sita represents the ego, the jeeva, the mind. As long as Sita’s attention was on Rama, she was ever blissful - be it in the luxuries in the palace or in the hardships of the forest. Similarly man is happy as long as he is attuned to the inner Self. Prosperity or poverty would make no difference. That is why we find that most of the saints are poor. They never care for prosperity. They are blissful in their inner attunement to the Lord. This is the perfect union of Rama and Sita.

When Sita saw the golden deer she was enchanted. Desire for a material thing possessed her. She asked Rama to fetch it for her. He asked her to desist from the desire but she was adamant. This is what we also do. We ask for material things from God. Success in business, a gift of wealth etc. As soon as her desire was focused on a sense object of the world, her Lord moved away from her. A golden deer is a mirage. Similarly our attempt to find happiness in the material things of the world is nothing but chasing after a mirage.

Lakshman personifies tapas, austerity and single mindedness. (He voluntarily chose an austere life). When desire overtakes us, tapas also leaves. But even if we are desiring and covetous, still we may not come to harm if we remain within the confines of discipline and self control. This is known as the Lakshman Rekha. As long as we remain inside the Lakshman Rekha (self control and discipline) we would still be protected. But once tapas has been given up, such lines are of no use. And as soon as we step out of it, we are captured by the ten headed monster in the form of Ravana. Ten headed=five sense organs + five organs of action driven by Rajas. Then we are under his control and imprisoned.

Ravana is an extrovert who represents material affluence and Lanka is a materially affluent city and is supposed to be made of gold! You could say New York is a modern day Lanka where people live an extreme material life in the midst of luxuries devoid of spirituality. So when Seeta is overpowered by Ravana, she becomes exiled in a materially affluent world (Lanka) away from the peace and bliss of her Lord. We should realize that we too are all at this moment “Sitas in exile”. If we are living a purely material life, that is what we are. But here the story of Seeta begins to take a different turn. Does she enjoy the material affluence and luxuries offered by Ravana? NO! She realizes her mistake and rejects everything that Ravana has to offer. She wants only one thing in life now: Being reunited with her Lord. Desire is given up. She takes up Tapas and Bhakti. When man takes up the practices of tapas and bhakti, he gains peace and contentment which is symbolized by Sita remaining in the Ashokavan. Shoka is grief; Ashoka is non-grief. This means a transcendental state above the dualities of pain and pleasure. Remaining in a state of Ashoka and steadfast in sadhana, we again receive intimations of the Lord. Our spiritual strength and faith arrive (represented by Hanuman) which give us the confidence and assurance that the Lord is always with us.

After this meeting, Hanuman burns down Lanka. The burning of Lanka indicates that material splendor has no value to one who is spiritually awakened. Sense objects lose their allure. They are burnt as if.

The three brothers Vibhishana, Ravana and Kumbhakarna represent the three gunas. Vibhishana=Sattwa; Ravana=Rajas; Kumbhakarna=Tamas (who knows nothing except sleeping and eating). Since Vibhishana represents Sattwa, he always warns and admonishes Ravana who is extremely Rajasic but Ravana ultimately kicks him out. As a natural consequence Vibhishana aligns himself with Rama. Sattwa always seeks light and liberation. That is the significance of Vibhishana deserting Lanka and the camp of Ravana. Sattwa is always attracted to the divine.

On the other hand, the attack on Ravana is launched by the monkey forces. The monkey forces represent again, the human mind. A monkey, like human thought, has two distinct qualities: asthira (unstable) and chancala (always in movement). The thoughts keep jumping from one to another. These monkeys were under the domination of Vali who represents lust (for flesh and power). He had seized the kingdom and was living with the wives of Sugreevaa (an act of greed and lust). We too are like Vali. We seek power by all means and appropriate what belongs to others to satisfy our greed and lust.  In order to gain one’s spiritual nature, one has to divert the mind from lust and greed to self-control and sacrifice. Vali has to be destroyed from behind, not in a frontal attack. It is like a person wanting to curb his desire for alcohol. He cannot do it by sitting in front of a bottle. We cannot defeat lust in a direct fight. So when we are overpowered by lust, we have to keep away from the object of our lust and destroy it from a distance. This is the significance of Rama killing Vali from behind. Then the leadership of the monkeys (thoughts) passes on to Sugreeva (meaning well-reined/well controlled). When the thoughts are under one’s control, the sea of delusion is crossed and the jeeva (Sita) is rescued from the prison of Lanka. However, the Lord before taking us back into his bosom, would definitely put up a test for us (Agni pareeksha) in some form to measure our sincerity. Once we pass this test, we are reunited with our Lord. 

( It's a simplified and abridged version of one the chapters from my book A GRAIN OF SAND. )

AUTHOR BIO:

NARENDRA MURTY,

Author and Research Associate with Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry

Narendra Murty’s deep driving passion in life has been the study of various religions and philosophies - both Eastern and Western - to which he has devoted more than three decades of his life. He is the author of 6 books, namely:

 

Eating His Money – The Antics of a Metaphysical Clown 

An Odyssey of the Mind – Journeys in the Modern Mindscape

The Religion of Wonder

An Oak Tree in the Garden – Exploring the World of Zen

Sermons of the Dead  

A Grain of Sand – Decoding Images, Rituals and Mythology

Presently, Narendra is working as a Research Associate for Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry. He writes regularly for their online journal Renaissance and conducts courses and workshops on Yoga and Spiritual seeking.

                                              ________________

Anuradha is a meticulous and conscientious reviewer who has been kind enough to review three of my non-fiction books. They are: An Odyssey of the Mind: Journeys in the Modern Mindscape, The Religion of Wonder and An Oak Tree in the Garden: Exploring the World of Zen.

 

What I most liked about her reviews is that she reads with meticulousness and offers fresh perspectives which casual readers often miss either because of their hurry in taking in the contents or their lack of depth of understanding. All her reviews start with creating the context in which the book is beautifully placed. She writes about what she liked about the book and also how it compares with similar ideas expressed by other well-known thinkers and authors. It’s not just about what is there in the book but how it fits into a larger canvas in the world of ideas. I have even got the impression that she does some research to write her reviews which goes beyond merely what is written in the book. Very few reviewers do that these days.

 

I wish her all the best on the 10^th anniversary of her blog and sincerely would like to see her blog growing from strength to strength.

NARENDRA MURTY,

Author and Research Associate with Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry

 

(  THIS IS THE 6 th WEEK - 11 TH YEAR of BFL-  PART OF GUEST POST SERIES- POST -6)

Navarathri in Chennai: A City Dressed in Festive Colours

   

Navarathri is in the air! Chennai city is full of festive colours, excitement and devotion. The moment Navarathri arrives, the city seems to transform itself into a vibrant celebration. There is festivity everywhere, and one cannot help but get carried away by the spirit of the season.

The shopping spree has begun, and the roads are full of traffic. Shops are bustling with people buying new clothes, flowers, bangles, jewellery and all the essentials for the festival. From shopping streets to small neighbourhood shops, everyone seems to be busy preparing for the nine days of celebration. The city is alive with activity, and the traffic is a reminder that everyone is on the move!

Music, lights and devotion everywhere

Walk through the streets of Chennai, and you will notice the festive atmosphere all around you. Temples are decorated with lights and festoons, and loudspeakers fill the air with devotional songs and bhajans. The familiar sounds of the festival bring a special joy to the mornings and evenings.

The lights, decorations, music and crowds together create a beautiful festive mood. Every street seems to have something to offer, and every neighbourhood has its own way of celebrating Navarathri.

Celebrating the Goddess and the girl child

Navarathri is a celebration of the Goddess in her different forms. Devotees worship the divine feminine, seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, courage and well-being.

Alongside the worship of the Goddess, the girl child is also honoured during the festival. Young girls are welcomed and worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine. This beautiful tradition reminds us of the importance of respecting and celebrating the girl child.

May the devotion we express towards the Goddess also inspire us to nurture, respect, educate and empower every girl child.

Chennai celebrates Navarathri in its own way

From the decorated temples and colourful streets to the shopping crowds and devotional music, Chennai embraces Navarathri with enthusiasm. There is a lovely blend of tradition, culture, faith and everyday city life.

The city may be caught in traffic, the shops may be crowded, and everyone may be rushing to complete their festive preparations. Yet, beneath all this activity lies the joy of celebrating a festival that brings people together.

Navarathri is not just about new clothes, shopping, decorations and festivities. It is also about devotion, tradition, family, community and the values we carry forward.

As Chennai glows with festive lights and echoes with songs and bhajans, may this Navarathri bring happiness, peace and prosperity to every home. May the Goddess bless us all, and may every girl child be celebrated, respected and empowered.

Happy Navarathri!

Have You Earned Your Tomorrow by Edgar Albert Guest - A SIMPLE LESSON IN KINDNESS

  

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

 Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

 This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

 Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

 

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?

 Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?

 Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,

Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?

 

Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,

That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;

Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

 

 Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?

 As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,

 You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?

Have you ever wondered whether you made someone happy today? Did you offer a kind word to someone, greet a friend with a smile, or help a person who needed your support? These are the simple yet meaningful questions that Edgar Albert Guest asks us through his poem, Have You Earned Your Tomorrow?

The poem reminds us that every day is an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. We do not have to do something extraordinary to make another person happy. Sometimes, a cheerful greeting, a few encouraging words, a helping hand, or simply listening to someone can bring hope and happiness.

The poet asks us to look back at our day before going to sleep. Did we spread kindness, or did we leave someone feeling hurt? Did we make someone's day better, or were we so busy with our own lives that we forgot about the people around us?

In today's fast-paced world, we are often occupied with our work, responsibilities, mobile phones and personal goals. We may pass many people every day without noticing them. A small act of kindness can make a difference, even when we do not realise it.

The poem also teaches us that kindness costs nothing, but its value can be priceless. A few encouraging words may give someone the courage to face a difficult situation. A simple gesture may remain in another person's memory for years.

How can we earn our tomorrow?

We can begin with small changes in our everyday lives.

• Smile and greet people warmly.
• Speak kindly, even when we disagree.
• Help someone without expecting anything in return.
• Appreciate another person's efforts.
• Avoid hurting others through careless words.
• Make someone feel heard, valued and respected.

We need not wait for a special occasion to practise kindness. Every ordinary day gives us opportunities to do so.

A thought to carry with us

The title of the poem makes us pause and reflect. Earning tomorrow does not mean that we can guarantee another day through our good deeds. Rather, it encourages us to live today meaningfully, with kindness, compassion and responsibility.

At the end of the day, instead of asking only, “What did I achieve today?” perhaps we should also ask, “Whose life did I make a little better today?”

Let us try to make this a daily habit. We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can make a positive difference to the people whose paths cross ours.

Tomorrow begins with what we choose to do today. Have you earned your tomorrow?

 

A Sweet Celebration of India: Desserts to Savour on National Dessert Day

  

From the syrupy sweetness of Rasgulla to the comforting warmth of Payasam, India has a dessert for every occasion, every region and every sweet tooth! Oh, what a delicious day to celebrate! National Dessert Day is a wonderful excuse to talk about something that brings smiles to faces across generations — desserts! India is a land of extraordinary diversity. Our languages, clothes, festivals, traditions and food change every few hundred kilometres. And guess what? Our desserts are just as diverse!

From milk-based delicacies and syrup-soaked sweets to traditional puddings, festive treats and contemporary creations, Indian desserts tell fascinating stories of local ingredients, culinary traditions and regional pride. If Rasgulla reminds us of the East, Malpua takes us towards the West, Jalebi makes us think of the North, and Payasam brings the comforting flavours of the South, we have barely scratched the surface of India's sweet treasures. What better way to celebrate National Dessert Day than by exploring some of India's famous regional desserts, especially those that have earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

A sweet journey across India

 A country full of sweets, each with a story to tell.

1. East India: Rasagola, Mihidana and Joynagar Moa

 Odisha Rasagola — Odisha

Soft, spongy and soaked in sugar syrup, Odisha Rasagola has a special place in the state's culinary and religious traditions. Its connection with Lord Jagannath makes it more than just a dessert. It received its GI tag in 2019.

Bardhaman Mihidana — West Bengal

Imagine tiny, golden, delicate sweet grains that almost melt in your mouth. Mihidana is a distinctive Bengali delicacy and a lovely reminder that sweets need not always come in the form of balls, squares or slices. It has GI recognition.

Joynagar Moa — West Bengal

Made with puffed rice and the distinctive flavour of seasonal date-palm jaggery, this traditional sweet is especially associated with winter. It is a treat worth seeking out in its place of origin. Joynagar Moa is GI-registered.

 2. North India: Petha, Khaja and the sweets of Banaras

 Agra Petha — Uttar Pradesh

Made from ash gourd, petha comes in different textures and flavours, from translucent, juicy pieces to varieties flavoured with saffron or other ingredients. A visit to Agra would be incomplete for many sweet lovers without trying this famous speciality.

Silao Khaja — Bihar

Crisp, flaky and layered, this sweet offers a delightful contrast to syrupy milk-based desserts. Silao Khaja is a GI-tagged speciality associated with Silao in Bihar.

Banaras Lal Peda — Uttar Pradesh

A milk-based sweet with a distinctive deeper colour and rich flavour, this is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys traditional peda. Banaras has several sweet-making traditions, and its regional specialities deserve a place on every dessert lover's list.

 3. West India: Goan Bebinca and Khaje

 Goan Bebinca — Goa

This beautiful layered dessert is prepared with ingredients including coconut milk, eggs, sugar and ghee. Each layer contributes to its rich taste and texture. Bebinca is closely associated with Goan culinary heritage and is one of the region's signature festive desserts.

Goan Khaje — Goa

Crunchy, sweet and distinctive, Goan Khaje is prepared using chickpea flour, jaggery, sesame and ginger. It is traditionally enjoyed during temple festivals and local celebrations. Its flavour profile is quite different from the familiar milk sweets found across India.

4. South India: Mysore Pak, Tirupati Laddu and Srivilliputtur Palkova

Mysore Pak — Karnataka

Gram flour, ghee and sugar come together to create this much-loved sweet. Depending on the preparation, it can be firm and crumbly or soft enough to melt in the mouth. Its origins are associated with the royal kitchens of Mysore, and it received GI recognition in 2016.

Tirupati Laddu — Andhra Pradesh

For devotees, this is much more than a sweet. The famous prasadam of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple has a distinctive identity and is GI-registered. Its association with pilgrimage makes it one of India's most recognisable sacred sweets.

Srivilliputtur Palkova — Tamil Nadu

Milk is slowly reduced to create this rich, soft and slightly grainy delicacy. The town of Srivilliputtur is famous for it, and the sweet has GI recognition. If you love milk sweets, this is a must-try on a journey through Tamil Nadu.

Atreyapuram Pootharekulu — Andhra Pradesh

Often called paper sweet, Pootharekulu is made using incredibly thin rice-based sheets layered with ghee, sugar or jaggery and sometimes dry fruits. Its delicate appearance and intricate preparation make it especially memorable. It is GI-registered.

And, of course, the South Indian dessert table would never be complete without Payasam — whether it is made with rice, vermicelli, lentils, jaggery, coconut milk or milk. From a simple home-cooked bowl to a festive serving at a banana-leaf meal, payasam is comfort, celebration and tradition in one dish.

Not every beloved regional dessert has a GI tag, and that does not make it any less special. The list above is a selection, not an exhaustive catalogue of India's registered sweets.

What about modern Indian desserts?

Tradition and innovation can happily share a dessert menu!

Today's pastry chefs, home bakers and food entrepreneurs are experimenting with Indian flavours in new forms:

·         Gulab Jamun Cheesecake: a meeting of a familiar Indian sweet and a Western-style cheesecake.

·         Rasmalai Cake: soft sponge, creamy layers and the flavours of cardamom and saffron.

·         Kulfi Falooda: a beloved combination of frozen milk dessert, vermicelli and fragrant syrup.

·         Indian-flavoured mousse and tarts: mango, filter coffee, pistachio, saffron and cardamom finding their way into contemporary creations.

These modern desserts may not be GI-tagged simply because they use regional ingredients or traditional flavours. GI status applies to specific registered products and their defined geographical origins, not to every new creation inspired by them. That distinction makes exploring both traditional and modern desserts all the more interesting.

Why should we seek out GI-tagged sweets?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag links a product's identity to a particular place. It recognises the reputation, characteristics or traditional production methods associated with that origin.

When we seek out authentic regional sweets, we do more than satisfy our cravings. We also:

·         Support traditional sweet makers and local businesses.

·         Discover regional ingredients and food traditions.

·         Help preserve culinary skills passed down through generations.

·         Learn about the cultural and historical stories behind what we eat.

 

Your National Dessert Day challenge!

Here is a little challenge for readers of Book Food Language.

1.     Pick one traditional dessert from a state you have never visited.

2.     Find out its ingredients, history and the occasion on which it is eaten.

3.     If possible, taste the authentic version from its place of origin.

4.     Compare it with a modern dessert inspired by Indian flavours.

5.     Share your discovery with family, friends or on social media.

You could even make this a family activity: ask grandparents which sweets they enjoyed as children, find out which desserts are prepared during local festivals, or invite children to map Indian sweets by state. A sweet treat can become a geography lesson, a history lesson and a family memory — all at once!

A sweet ending

India's desserts are as varied as its people. Some are linked to temples, some to royal kitchens, some to seasonal harvests, and others to family recipes that never make it into a cookbook. On National Dessert Day, let us celebrate not just the sweetness on our plates but also the hands that prepare it, the communities that preserve it and the stories that travel with every bite.

After all, why settle for one dessert when a whole country offers a lifetime of delicious discoveries? Over to you, dear readers! Which Indian dessert would you recommend everyone taste at least once in their lifetime? Is it your hometown's famous sweet, a festive payasam made at home, or a GI-tagged delicacy you discovered while travelling?

Let us make this National Dessert Day a celebration of India's sweet diversity — one delicious bite at a time!

Be Alert Amidst Chaos: Shop Wisely During the Great Indian Festival!

 

Offers, discounts, flash sales and tempting deals are everywhere. But amid all the excitement, are we buying what we really need or simply what we are tempted to buy?

The festive season is here! It is the time for celebrations, new clothes, gifts, sweets, family gatherings and, of course, shopping. Online shopping platforms have added another dimension to our festive excitement by announcing attractive offers, exciting discounts and special deals.

Amazon's Great Indian Festival, Flipkart's festive sales, Meesho's offers and the many deals promoted through quick-commerce platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit and others have made shopping possible with just a few clicks. Add the numerous advertisements, notifications, social media promotions and influencer recommendations on Instagram, and we have a shopping atmosphere that is difficult to ignore.

There is so much happening around us that we may wonder whether we are shopping because we need something or because everyone seems to be shopping!

When offers are everywhere, where is our attention?

A new mobile phone at a tempting price, a kitchen appliance with an attractive discount, a dress that looks perfect for the festive season, groceries delivered in minutes, or a product we have never considered buying until now — everything seems to be available at a special price.

The words limited-period offer, deal of the day, hurry up, only a few left and extra discount can create a sense of urgency. We may feel that if we do not buy something immediately, we will miss a wonderful opportunity.

But let us pause for a moment.

• Do we really need the product?
• Have we been planning to buy it, or did the advertisement make us think about it?
• Is the discounted price genuinely worthwhile?
• Do we already have something at home that serves the same purpose?
• Will we use this product regularly, or will it remain unused after the initial excitement?

These are simple questions, but asking them can make a big difference to our shopping habits.

The quick-commerce temptation

Quick commerce has changed the way we buy everyday essentials. From groceries and snacks to household items and last-minute requirements, many products can now reach our doorstep within minutes.

This convenience is useful, especially when we need something urgently. However, when ordering becomes too easy, we may start adding items to our carts without thinking twice.

A small purchase here, another there, and a few unplanned orders later, the total amount can be much higher than we expected. Convenience should make our lives easier, not encourage us to spend without thinking. Before placing an order, ask yourself: Is this something I need now, or can it wait until my next planned shopping trip?

Discounts do not always mean savings

One of the biggest lessons we can learn during festive sales is that spending less on something we do not need is still spending money we could have saved.

A product marked down from ₹2,000 to ₹1,000 may look like an excellent deal. But if we had never intended to buy it, we have not saved ₹1,000. We have spent ₹1,000!

It is also worth comparing prices across platforms, checking the product specifications, reading reliable customer reviews and looking at the final checkout amount, including delivery charges and other applicable fees.

A discount is worthwhile when it helps us buy something we genuinely need at a fair price — not when it persuades us to buy something merely because it is cheaper.

Social media: Inspiration or invitation to spend?

Instagram and other social media platforms are full of festive shopping hauls, product recommendations, unboxing videos and posts showcasing the latest purchases.

Someone we follow may recommend a beautiful saree, an attractive handbag, a useful kitchen gadget or a book collection. Their enthusiasm can be infectious, and we may immediately want the same thing. There is nothing wrong with discovering new products through social media. Recommendations can be useful, and sometimes they introduce us to something we genuinely need.

But remember that another person's needs, budget, lifestyle and preferences may be very different from ours. We can appreciate a recommendation without purchasing the product. We can admire something without owning it. And we can enjoy watching a shopping haul without turning it into our own shopping list!

 Five ways to stay alert amid the shopping chaos

 1. Make a shopping list

Write down what you need before opening a shopping app. Keep the list handy and try to stick to it, even when attractive offers appear.

 2. Decide your budget

Set a reasonable spending limit for festive shopping. Separate essential purchases from optional ones, and do not stretch your budget simply to qualify for an additional discount.

 3. Compare before you buy

Check prices, quality, seller details, return policies and customer feedback. Do not assume that every advertised offer is the best available price.

 4. Give yourself time

Unless it is an urgent necessity, wait before buying something you had not planned to purchase. A little time can help you distinguish a genuine need from a passing impulse.

 5. Check what you already own

Before buying new clothes, kitchenware, stationery, books or household products, look at what you already have. Reusing what is in good condition saves money, reduces clutter and supports more sustainable living.

 Let us not forget the spirit of the festival

Festivals are about joy, togetherness, gratitude, traditions and sharing. Shopping can certainly be part of the celebration, but it need not become the centre of it.

We can celebrate with homemade food, traditional recipes, decorating our homes, visiting relatives and friends, supporting local artisans, buying from neighbourhood shops and spending quality time with our loved ones. We can choose thoughtful gifts instead of expensive ones. We can buy what we need without feeling compelled to participate in every sale. We can enjoy the festive atmosphere without comparing our purchases with those of others.

A festival should leave us with happy memories, not unnecessary bills, unused products and regret over impulsive spending.

A small challenge for this festive season

Before your next online purchase, pause and ask yourself these three questions:

1.     Do I need it?

2.     Can I afford it comfortably?

3.     Would I still buy it if there were no discount or advertisement?

If you can answer these questions honestly, you are already making a more conscious choice.

As bloggers, writers, readers and consumers, we can also spread awareness about mindful shopping. Instead of sharing only the latest deals, we can discuss the importance of informed choices, responsible consumption, financial discipline and reducing waste.

The idea is not to reject online shopping or avoid every festive offer. Technology and online platforms have made many things easier for us. The key is to use them wisely rather than allow them to dictate our spending habits.

My festive reminder to myself and everyone reading this: Be alert amidst the chaos. Keep your needs in focus, your budget in mind and your impulses under control. Let the offers come and go. Let the notifications appear and disappear. Let others shop as they please. You do not have to buy everything that catches your eye! This festive season, may we shop with awareness, celebrate with happiness and welcome the New Year without unnecessary financial burdens.

The best festive deal is not always the biggest discount. Sometimes, it is the purchase you wisely decide not to make.