Roots of Joy

She sat in her office, surrounded by the trappings of success, yet feeling strangely detached from it all. She felt insecure about life as she wondered how she is going to manage the firm which is grappling with financial instability. As she thought, memories of her carefree childhood began to rush into her mind.

Laxmi's days had become a whirlwind of corporate meetings, financial strategies, and seemingly endless emails. In her pursuit of maintaining financial stability and societal stature, she had inadvertently let go of the simple joys that once defined her. The laughter and carefree spirit she recalled from her childhood had faded, replaced by the weight of responsibilities and the pursuit of success.

Amidst this fast-paced life, fragments of stories shared by her maternal grandmother often visited Laxmi's thoughts. Her grandmother would spin tales of their family's past, of a time when they were humble street vendors, struggling to make ends meet. Amidst these tales, one stood out, vivid and poignant – the story of the day they won the lottery that changed their fate forever. Laxmi's father used that unexpected money to start the successful business that now played an integral role in her life.

However, what intrigued Laxmi even more was the perspective her grandmother added to that story. She recounted how, on the day they won the lottery, she had noticed a radiant smile on young Laxmi's face. Though unaware of the event's significance, the child had felt immense joy witnessing her parents' profound happiness. The grandmother emphasized that the child was happy because she felt safe and secure in her parents' eyes.

As Laxmi reminisced about her grandmother's stories, she realized that amidst her pursuit of financial stability and success, she had lost sight of what truly mattered. It wasn't just about accumulating wealth or climbing the corporate ladder; it was about finding joy and security in the simple moments of life.

She remembered the radiant smile she had worn as a child, not because of material wealth or grand achievements, but because of the love and security she felt within her family. It dawned on her that perhaps she had been chasing the wrong kind of success all along.

With a newfound clarity, Laxmi decided to shift her focus. Instead of solely fixating on the financial stability of her firm, she would prioritize fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for her team. She understood that true success wasn't measured solely by profit margins, but by the well-being and happiness of those around her.

Taking inspiration from her family's humble beginnings and the lessons imparted by her grandmother, Laxmi embarked on a journey to reconnect with her roots and rediscover the simple joys of life. She began incorporating elements of joy and camaraderie into her workplace, encouraging her team to find fulfillment beyond monetary gains.

Slowly but steadily, the atmosphere in Laxmi's office began to change. Employees felt more valued and supported, leading to increased productivity and creativity. As Laxmi focused on fostering genuine connections and creating a sense of belonging, she found that the financial instability that once plagued her firm began to dissipate.

With a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what true success meant, Laxmi found herself not only steering her firm towards stability but also experiencing a personal transformation. She had learned that happiness and fulfillment couldn't be found in external accomplishments alone; they stemmed from within, from nurturing relationships, embracing simplicity, and finding joy in life's everyday moments. And as she looked back on her journey, Laxmi realized that the greatest lottery she had ever won was the love and support of her family and team.

Hunger and Desire

Guruji, what are the most essential things that a spiritual teacher like you knows but common people like us don't?

Everyone knows everything, my boy, but only Gurus like us are conscious of that knowledge. That's what differentiates us from others.

Guruji, what does it mean to know things consciously?

If you are aware of certain facts, you must have observed that most spiritual Gurus practice similar things, such as abstaining from courtship. We don't want to be driven by lust and engage in insignificant activities. We know that the primary purpose of sex is procreation and ensuring the continuation of the human species on this planet. Therefore, we try to move away from it and seek a higher purpose for our lives.

Guruji, if conceiving a child is the sole aim of sex, then why does romance exist? Doesn't romance bring meaning to the activity? Don't our actions go beyond their purpose and bring more significance to our lives?

What brings meaning to our lives isn't simply what we think will bring meaning; it's what aligns with our purpose. If you had truly understood the context of what I was trying to say, you might have been in my place. That's the difference between you and me.

Guruji, I may not be as enlightened as you, but I do understand that going beyond the purpose of anything is considered insignificant, and it's better to abstain from it to find greater meaning in other things.

Now you're on the right track, my boy. Yes, that's what I meant.

Guruji, but didn't you want the food to change yesterday?

Yes, the food they served was terrible, and I don't want myself or my devotees to have tasteless food. So, I asked them to change it.

But Guruji, if the purpose of food is to satisfy hunger, isn't it insignificant to demand tasty food?

As I said, if you understood everything, you would be in my place. Let others also have time to ask questions; we are running out of time. Does anyone have any other questions?

Wish Granted

*****

While knowledge undoubtedly holds great bliss, but is there happiness in ignorance too??. 

*****

Rajamma lived her entire life in vain, unaware during her childhood that misery would be her constant companion. At 42, when news of her husband's death arrived, it shattered her to the core. He was a hard worker, the dedicated leader of their family, and committed to keeping them away from poverty's grasp. Upon his demise, all these responsibilities fell onto Rajamma. She proved to be as tough as her husband, rising to her feet and carrying the load on her shoulders. Her only child, a son, became her focus. She toiled day and night to provide him with everything and shield him from feeling deprived.

She ensured he received a quality education in prestigious schools and colleges. He matured into an intelligent young man and eventually settled in the USA after marriage.

"Son, you must return here. This is our home, our roots. Any endeavour you undertake should be here. Our forefathers lived and died on this land. We cannot abandon our ancestral home. You have to come back," she implored.

"But Mom, there's little I can achieve in that superficial country. My life thrives here, in this nation," was his unwavering response.

One day, as she descended the stairs, Rajamma collapsed, briefly experiencing a fainting spell. Neighbours rushed to her aid and rushed her to a nearby hospital. The news reached her son, who promptly contacted the examining doctor.

"Sir, she's terminally ill. She has no more than three years left," stated the doctor.

"I need to go," her son told his wife.

"Why?" questioned his wife. "Whether you're there or not, her time is limited. Shouldn't we simply look forward to her funeral?" she suggested.

He sat in contemplation.

"I have an idea," his wife proposed. "Remember the startup we've always dreamed of launching here, but lacked the funds to initiate? Let's sell your ancestral property in India. With our modest savings and the proceeds from the property sale, we could easily kickstart our own business. Of course, this only happens when your mother passes, sooner rather than later," she added.

The son phoned the doctor. "I have a proposition," he began. "If you can expedite my mother's passing, I'll offer a significant sum of money."

The doctor pondered and eventually agreed.

"What value does the life of an octogenarian hold? I have a large, young family to care for," mused the doctor.

The son contacted his mother. "Mom, I'm fulfilling your wish to return to India, with the intention of settling there permanently. The only condition is for you to transfer all the family property into my name," he fibbed.

"Absolutely, my son, absolutely. Right away," his mother cried with joy. "What could be more precious than your return to India and establishing roots here?"

She legally transferred all the documents to her son the day after he arrived.

"Rajamma, there's a strong chance of curing your illness," the doctor informed her during a routine checkup. "But you need to undergo surgery."

Her face lit up with joy.

On the day of the operation, lying on the surgical bed just before the procedure, the doctor explained that he would administer anaesthesia to her, inducing temporary unconsciousness. Rajamma turned to the doctor and said, "Doctor, today I am happier than I've ever been. My son has returned from the USA and is going to reside permanently in India. My only wish has come true. So, doctor, if by any remote chance, I were to pass away right now, I wouldn't die in vain, but with contentment in my heart," she expressed with overwhelming happiness.

The doctor cast an insidious grin and injected a lethal substance into her, as previously planned.

We Are All But Same

Is there a problem, madam? the security guard inquired, noticing her exasperated expression.

Yes, there are a lot of problems with these people. They think so highly of themselves. Culture-less individuals, utter morons, she shouted in response to the security guard's question, capturing the attention of the surrounding crowd.

I was just trying to get away from them because they seemed to be begging for money. I had no ill intentions, explained the foreigner standing across from the lady.

What actually happened, madam? Did he try to harass you? Should I call the police? asked the confused pet shop owner, who had come out of his shop running upon seeing the gathering crowd.

Harass me? His luck seems better today. He hasn't done that, otherwise, I would have shown him what hell looks like," she retorted. "This man, this so-called foreigner, lacks humanity. He was just shooing away those little kids with a disgusting look. Racist. Who does he think he is? Just because he's white and those kids are black doesn't mean he has the right to do whatever he pleases. I'm a social activist, and I won't tolerate these kinds of actions, no matter who's involved. We are all the same, regardless of skin colour. Why don't these people understand that? We need to teach these scoundrels a lesson.

Sir, I honestly don't know what this lady is talking about. I was just trying to distance myself from those boys, thinking they might ask for money. I haven't done anything wrong, sir, the foreigner attempted to explain to the shop owner.

You better keep quiet now. I know what your intention was, the activist snapped.

Calm down, madam. Consider forgiving him for the moment. He won't forget this incident in his life. Let him go. Have you come to buy a pet, madam? What type of pet are you looking for? The shop owner tried to soothe her, concerned that more people might gather if she continued shouting.

Listen, mister, I don't care where you're from, but you need to realize you're standing on land known for its diversity. Even a hint of racism is unacceptable here. Understand that, or things won't go well for you. Consider this a warning. I won't say it again. The activist yelled at the foreigner one last time before finally letting him go.

"What a courageous lady..."

"She's a true social activist..."

"A lesson for all of us to learn..."

Various voices murmured as the crowd dispersed; within a few minutes, everyone had left.

Come on, madam. Let's head inside the shop, the owner prompted her.

Yes, I'm looking for a cat. What kind of cat breeds do you have? My daughter loves cats, the lady activist inquired.

Madam, speaking of cats, we have a wonderful breed called Bombay. It's an all-black cat. You need to see it; this breed is known for its playfulness. It's a highly sociable breed as well; children would adore it, no doubt, the shop owner said.

What? A black cat? I wouldn't even imagine having a black cat as a pet. Black cats are scary especially to see them at night. Besides, black cats bring bad luck. I don't want one. Don't you know black cats are associated with sabotage? Black cats are unsightly creatures. Tell me if you have any good breeds in white colour, the lady activist stated firmly.

Madam, all the white cats have been sold out. New cats will arrive at the shop next week. White cats are in high demand, and they require advance booking to purchase, the pet shop owner replied, looking somewhat disappointed.

Okay, take my card as a booking. Call me next week when the new cats arrive. Don't forget. I need to attend a protest at Town Hall today. I'm running out of time. Make sure to call me, the lady activist said as she got into her car and hurried toward Town Hall.

Test of Fire

She sank onto the sofa, switching on the TV as was her routine after a tiring day of chores. Her daily routine revolved around cleaning the house, bathing her children, preparing breakfast for her husband and children, and attending to her sick mother-in-law who hadn't been out of bed for the past six months. This added to responsibilities that she was already overburdened with. By the time she finished these tasks, fatigue would overwhelm her, and she would switch on the TV with the intention of briefly entertaining herself, only to drift off to sleep.

Her sleep today, however, vanished as soon as she turned on the TV. A local channel was airing the movie "Ramayana." Being from a Muslim family, she was unfamiliar with Hindu mythology and the stories intertwined with it. She had always wanted to learn more about Hindu culture, given her numerous Hindu friends in college. These friends often spoke of Ramayana, recounting the tale of Lord Rama's unwavering devotion to his only wife, Sita. However, they had never elaborated on the specifics of the story, leaving her curious and eager to learn more about Lord Rama.

Any Ramayana books she procured were burned by her mother-in-law, who insisted that acquainting oneself with Hinduism's stories was a disgrace to their own religion.

One day, she secretly visited a Ram temple, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Rama. But her efforts were futile, as all she encountered was people engaging in prayers and rituals. Her covert visit didn't remain a secret for long.

"Why did you visit a Hindu temple?" her mother-in-law bellowed. "I warned my son not to marry an educated girl, but he didn't listen. And he never listens. Look at her now, tarnishing our family's name. No one in our family has ever entered a Hindu temple. This girl is ruining our reputation," her mother-in-law raged.

"That's enough. This is your final warning. If I catch you attempting to learn about Hindu traditions again, I'll burn you like those books," her husband cautioned, his eyes ablaze with anger and his expression full of scorn.

As she watched the movie that day, she recognized it as a golden opportunity to learn about Rama. Positioning herself on the sofa, she lowered the TV volume slightly, enough to hear but not enough to attract her mother-in-law's attention. She knew her mother-in-law would not rise from her bed. The movie depicted how Rama captured Sita's heart, how Queen Kaikeyi's desire for her son Bharat to become king led to Dasharatha's dilemma, and how Rama eventually agreed to go into exile, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana.

"If I were in her place, I would have done the same," she mumbled. "Rama is a true husband; he embodies fidelity. Sita, being his wife, is dutifully bound to stand by him through thick and thin," she affirmed to herself.

The movie continued, narrating the challenges Rama and Sita faced during their time in exile, Rama's distress when Sita was abducted by Ravana, the portrayal of Ravana's malevolence, and the eventual epic battle between Rama and Ravana, culminating in Rama's triumph. She remained glued to the TV screen, unable to take her eyes off the unfolding story. Completely absorbed, she even forgot to lock the main door, which had been left open since her husband left for work that morning.

The movie progressed to depict Rama and Sita's journey back to Ayodhya and Rama's triumphant coronation. She was particularly struck by a scene showing Rama in a state of anger, an aspect she hadn't anticipated. She had always believed Rama to be a symbol of peace and fidelity. Even her Hindu friends had never mentioned Rama's anger. Her curiosity was piqued, and she longed to understand why the movie portrayed Rama in this light.

In the movie, Rama confronted Sita with a demand to prove her purity.

What nonsense? How can she prove her purity? Is this really Rama? Or has a demon taken on Rama's guise? What has happened to him? Where is his devotion and obedience? Why is he asking her to prove her purity? Why now? she wondered.

Rama was depicted as being furious, his face reddening, and his eyes blazing like fire. "I heard a fellow citizen suggest that you may not be pure. After being separated from me for a year, I too harbour doubts about your chastity. I need you to prove yourself. Walk through the fire of yajña unscathed and establish your purity," ordered Rama.

Stunned by his words, she found it difficult to comprehend. How could Rama utter such demands? How could Sita walk through fire and emerge unscathed? Had Rama lost his mind? Why had no one ever informed her of this before? Was this the same Rama she had admired? Or was the movie distorting his character to tarnish his name? Her thoughts raced until she finally became aware of someone standing behind her.

It was her husband, who had entered through the unlocked door and noticed her engrossed in watching "Ramayana." Observing his face, she saw that he was seething with anger, his eyes ablaze much like Rama's had been in the movie.

"If I catch you trying to learn about Hindu traditions again, I'll burn you without hesitation," she recalled his earlier warning.

As she pondered this, the scene on TV continued, portraying Sita preparing for the test of fire.