Me-Now-65... A Final Friday Feature, With A Side Of Nature

When I was growing up, the age of retirement from working life in the UK was 65. I realised this week that this marked year has always stuck with me as having some sort of significance - though why it should be any different from 60 (when many opt for early retirement) or 67 (the retirement age in OZ) is unclear. Physically, I have always been older than my marked years, anyway. Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and Chronic Fatigue have all taken their toll. Some octogenarians can put me to shame in the stamina stakes these days. Regular readers are by now familiar with my limited mobility. The addition of the Rolls-later has, despite actually expanding my activity, given a visual cachet of 'senior citizen'. (Though it astounds me how many folk ignore the walker and get right under its wheels then look at me as if I was attacking them! Wonder if they are the same people who walk off the pavement, assuming the traffic will stop...)

Yes, it's just a number, but there is no question that I feel depleted with each passing year. This is part of the incentive to downsize into The Grey. The freedom it affords that being cooped up in The Hutch does not cannot be valued. It is not just the physical. Many of you who have been around for a while also know that life's spiritual/philosophical aspect holds enormous importance to me.

In Sanatana Dharma, there are four stages of life, called ashramas: Brahmacharya (student), GRhastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest walker/forest dweller), and Sannyasa (renunciate). The first is years 0 - 21, and the second is 21 - 60. The 60th birthday is often celebrated in a similar fashion to that of turning 21 traditionally in British culture, laterally, 18. During the early years, all the studies that one can cram in should be undertaken. Then, life must be dedicated to intellectual growth, economics, and raising a family - unless one continues as Brahmacharya and follows a dedicated spiritual path. Once those years are done, it is time to hand responsibilities to the next generation and withdraw... historically, that would have been to a hut in the forest lands or at least at the back of the garden. India invented the granny flat!

If one has remained Brahmacharya (another way of saying unmarried), this stage still applies. Equally, if one has specifically followed sadhana (spiritual practice), finding either a forest dwelling or a guha (cave) is appropriate. 

Both of these are either difficult to locate or very pricey, just about anywhere in the world now. Thus, The Grey serves a purpose greater than its four wheels and battery.

In taking up this type of residence, there will be much to cull from what is currently held. Thus, one is also moving into Sanyaas—letting go of the physical to exist only in the intellectual/spiritual. Practicalities will still be worked, at least until driving must be ceased. Sanyaas entails full meditative practice and solitude. Solitude I have managed to maintain for large chunks of the ten years I have been back in Scotland, but since the dark year 2020, meditative practice has been sorely lacking. I am seeking to restore that balance.

And see a few bonny places as I go. Another aspect of Vana Prastha and Sanyasa is tirthayaatraa - pilgrimage. In India, it would be around all the main places of significance both in nature and the spiritual; I am sure you will all have heard of Gangotri, at least, the source of the Ganges. That is but one of thousands of spots around the subcontinent. There is a bit of me that would love to go there and take that on - but the pragmatic me and the state of world affairs prevent such drastic moves. I have also toyed with the idea of getting The Grey over to OZ and repatriating - but those same two things hold back such a decision. The reality is that I must remain, for now, in the Bonny Land and, in acknowledging that, get on and make the most of it.

Did you know you can age shells
in a similar way to trees?
Read lots more about shells HERE!

I have been spending this week back at The Hutch after the Seconds Trip getting to grips with paperwork. The Grey was bought and paid for a year ago today, thus sharing his 'gotchya' day with my birthday. Although, I didn't actually get him until May 30th. Thus, insurance and van registration required attention. Mid-May will be service time.

I will be on the road again by this time next week. My dear friend Aitch (who is driving all the way across the country and border to spend today with me!) is spending a week in the border town of Moffat for a geocaching event, and I will be joining her. Watch out for reports on that. After that it will be Grey's garage visit, then onward to do more touring and visiting.

We are getting a spell of decent, proper spring weather, and I hope that by the time you are reading this, I will have managed some more upgrading of Grey's interior space. There is the cladding to do, the new shelving to set up and still a bit of insulation to complete. There will be more even after that, such as adding doors to the shelves - not all, but some, certainly. I would like to improve the ceiling arrangement if I can. Although it is working perfectly well, it isn't very pretty. Then there is the cab overhead area, which has valuable storage space that could be utilised. I am realistic about what I can achieve on any given day, so I am not at all expecting to get everything done in this short interlude. Cladding and shelving are the main things for now. Anything else will be a bonus.

That's it for this joint post with the LLB Gang's Nature Friday (click that badge on the sidebar—or here), a slightly different 'nature' post! Life and making plans for it are surely part of the greater natural world?! Thanks for letting me air my thoughts out loud. 

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

Here we come to the last of Advent and today, a full precented rendition of verses 18 and 19 of Psalm 72. I have heard this style of chant being referred to as being like the rush and pull of the Atlantic ocean against the island shores, but I also think there is a calm and shine such as can be found on the stilled lochs and colourful braes... as illustrated in the accompanying images here. One commenter remarked, "it would bring a tear tae a gless eye". If one lets the sound enter one's being, it certainly would. Another put, "I am not a Christian nor a Gael but if anyone can tell me of a more hauntingly beautiful sound on this earth I am all ears." Well perhaps there are other beautiful sounds, but this is up there among the best. (For the keen, words are below.)

Beannaicht' gu robh an Tighearn' Dia,

Dia Israeil a ghnàth,

An ti a mhàin 'ni mìorbhuile

le treis 'us neart a làimh.

Beannaicht' gu robh gu sìorruidh buan

'ainm glòrmhor uasal féin ;

Lìonadh a ghlòir gach uile thir,

Amen, agus Amen !

(thanks to 'Bevsfan' for supplying the Gaelic)

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Menoizikul; midweek musicalism

October 2nd 2019 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mohandas K Gandhi, he who became 'Mahatma' (Great Soul). In India, it is common practice to begin a year of acknowledgement and honouring of great people in the twelve months prior. The following video has been produced by the  Ministry of External Affairs (Foreign Office).

This bhajan (devotional song) was a poem by Narsimha Mehta - here is the translation.

One who is a Vaishnava (Devotee of Vishnu) 
Knows the pain of others
Does good to others 
without letting pride enter his mind.

A Vaishnava, Tolerates and praises the entire world.
Does not speak ill of others 
Keeps his promises, actions and thoughts pure 
your mother is blessed indeed. 

A Vaishnava sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice 
respects women as he respects his own mother
though his tongue may tire he will utter no untruth
Never touches the property of others.

A Vaishnava does not succumb to worldly attachments 
he has renounced lust of all types and anger 
The poet Narsi will like to see such a person by who's virtue, 
the entire family gets salvation 

MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

Having started discussing Scottish Psalm Singing, today am going slightly off-tangent. This is due to having come upon a most delightful little film with a discussion on the Psalms between a pop star and a pastor/author. Thought you may like to see it too...

MenoFest... Shine a Little Light!!!

Today, you are invited to share in the festival of Deepavali - more commonly known as Diwali - with me, by posting images of lamps or candles and spreading the bond of friendship.

Whilst this festival is celebrated mainly as a Hindu event, in India it cuts across religious boundaries and Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and even Muslims in most communities will celebrate... in much the same way that many non-Christians will celebrate Christmas. Outwith the religious parts, it is one big party of Love, light, togetherness. It is also akin to New Year in Western culture. A time to reflect on what has gone before and to realign one's thinking with some expectation of improved performance, enhanced beingness, and increased return on one's investment of time and effort in various aspects of life.

Such reflection, it could be argued, ought to be a daily activity. If we deal with such notions on a daily basis they are much more likely to bear fruit than if we attempt only a yearly 'harvest'!

Diwali actually takes place over five days, for the faithful. Some only celebrate over three days. Others will tell you it is four days. These differences come about from the varying traditions which came together in the one festival. In the North, it was the return of Sita-Ram to Ayodhya, in the South it is the victory of Krishna over the demon Naaraka... There is always included a night for devotion to Lakshmi for another twelve months of prosperity as well as the main celebration of the lights. Deepa means light and awali means row.

Rows and rows of lamps (deeyas) are arranged along walls and ledges and windows and cities, towns, villages everywhere seem alive the entire night! Everyone will have purchased at least one new set of clothing to wear for the event. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. 

Homes will be cleaned thoroughly, coconuts will have been cracked, sweets prepared...  pujas (ceremonies) will be performed in homes and temples and gifts will be given to all who are met. This festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. 

The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

Even those without spiritual leanings enjoy Diwali, for it brings families and communities together and helps us to focus on being the best that we can be as humans. When one flame touches another, often the resulting illumination is greater than would be imagined from the individual flames themselves...

Now it is your turn. Light up your posts with lamps or candles and shed a little Love through the flames!
This is a linky party for those who are posting specifically for Diwali. Any non-specific links will be removed. A link back to this post would be appreciated but is not compulsory. Entry open for 48 hrs. Thank you for celebrating with me!!!

Some gremlins are riding the ether and the submit button will not show (have tried three reruns!) - so my dears, link up through the comments box and I will add them here... sigh...

Me-No-vembering the month that was

image; public domain

Hello, hello, here we are in another month. It just happened overnight...

Anyway. I just wanted to say that I was gratified that quite a few folk found something of value in the postings made throughout October. The fantastical elements of the stories lent themselves well to the spooky theme which accompanies that month.

However, as was mentioned a few times throughout, it is to be remembered that these are sacred tales. What you saw were mere 'scrapings'. Whilst it all may have seemed very fantastical to the Western eye and mind, every part of Sanskrit teaching and depiction has a part to play in bringing advanced philosophical concepts of Sanatana Dharma (optimum living), saadhana (practical spirituality) and seva (selfless service) to a level that majority human beings can appreciate. Not everyone - few in fact - can delve directly into the lofty tenets of Advaita Vedanta. What is more, it needs to be understood that there is a practical application. This is why we have such God Men as Yeshu, Prince Gautama (the Buddha), Shri Krishna and Shri Rama as beacons. They are spiritual lighthouses in this ocean of life! They and many saints and sages throughout the aeons have shown the benefits of self-discipline, restraint, simple living, Loving (with that capital 'ell'!)... but also, crucially, when it is appropriate to 'fight the good fight'.

image; Wiki-common

In India in the 1980s there was a televised production, covering the story in considerable detail. It enthralled the nation. When it was made again in 2008, with even more attention to detail, it again stopped the country. Such is the power of this story.

It is to be acknowledged that the teachers knew what they were doing, writing this story as they did. It appeals to the 'smaller' part of our natures! There is, in this and the other great epic of the Mahaabhaarata, all the pulling of heartstrings and emotion that live on in long-running series of the present day. With these stories, we have the original 'soap operas', a key difference being that they seek to demonstrate all the positive traits to be emulated in life, rather than all the negatives and vices of our modern-day fictions.

Amazingly, for the keen ones among you, it is possible to watch the entire 1980s series online.

CLICK HERE!

Yes, there are English subtitles. The spoken language is Hindi, this means that all the 'a' endings are 'swallowed'. Rama becomes Ram, Sugriva becomes Sugriv... Sanskrit scholars cringe at this, but Hindi must also be respected. The story-telling is not perfect, but it does at least take more time over the various events and incorporates important philosophical questioning and seeking. The updated 2008 version may benefit from all the improvements in television production and special effects, but it is also rather more 'Bollywood' and loses something of the innocence required.

image; Wiki-common

Interestingly, Shri Rama and Lady Sita and the entourage return to Ayodhya finally at the time of Deepavali (Diwali) - and that happens to be next Wednesday, the 7th of November. I would like to invite you to celebrate this festival of light with me by posting images with lamps or candles. They can be as colourful or as muted as you wish. Light the light of friendship and join the linky party - feel free to display the badge below!

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Okay - we have arrived at SPOOKY DAY!!! Arty, Jakey and Rosy are hosting a bloghop (as well as the haunted house). For those who are visiting here simply because of the hop and are wondering what the devil the following is all about, you may like to follow the entire series of posts (starting HERE) - or just accept that there has been a build up and it has involved demons, gods and goddesses and the battle between good and evil which rages without and within us eternally!!!

Yesterday, we saw the final battle between Shri Rama and King Ravana. All over India (and in diaspora communities around the world) the mighty Ramayana is played out annually and it ends on the tenth day, Dusshera, with the shooting of fire arrows at giant models of the ten-headed Ravana, symbolising the burning of our 'devil ego', as well as the wonderful defeat of terror and despotism which the king represented.

Halloween (the eve of All Saints) is about all the restless souls who have not yet found solace in final rest and come out to create havoc. It has been built up into a festival of mischief and mayhem, not unlike that caused by Ravana. He was prepared to play tricks (sending Marichi as the golden deer, disguising himself as a sadhu to kidnap Sita) in order to obtain satisfaction for his desires. Despite being offered peace and friendship at first by Rama-ji, he refused, thinking he could have 'all the sweets' for himself. More fool him!!!

We began this month of tales with the different avatars of Durga-Mata. The tenth day of that festival (which is actually celebrated concurrently with Ramayana and Dusshera) is called Vijayadashami - 'victory of the tenth day'. In this, Durga herself manifests in order to subdue the evil mischief-maker, Mahishasura (whose name literally means Great Demon!)


Again we see multiple weapons; the analogy is the skills and talents we may have to combat the issues which arise before us. The demon, you will not be surprised by now to learn, represents not only all the external difficulties we are likely to face in life but the inner torments we put upon ourselves as a result of our ego-personality. There is a dance performed on Vijayadashami called the garba (dandiya, when sticks are included) which is a high energy workout!

Durga-ji also is a symbol for all women that they have power and strength... she would be a great advocate of any feminist campaign... and that should be enough to scare any men out there tonight!!!

For something you all will be a little more familiar with... on Monday, Ninja over at Marv's place shared a video about black cats and jacko'lanterns... this Irish tale was very interesting. Did you know, though, that Scotland had its own tradition with 'neep lanterns' or that the 'trick or treat' tradition also originated right here in the Bonny Land?
In Scotland the cleaning out of turnips and placing a candle within has been done since the time of the druids - they were used in place of skulls of the dead when the practice began to be considered poor taste (arrival of the Christians); this was done on Samhain, that time when it is considered the veil between the spirit realm and Earth is thinnest, allowing restless spirits to roam and taunt. The Christian All Saints day was deliberately placed on the day following Samhain (which became a fixed date only on the 1600s) so that the pagan practice could be 'tamed'. By the end of the 19th century Hallowe'en had become very much a festival for children. Dressing up and going "guising" is a tradition which has lasted to the present day. The original idea was to dress as spirits of the dead but options have widened over the years. When money was tight, dressing up in some old clothes from grandparents was all that was required. But witches (with broomsticks, cloaks and pointed black hats) have always been popular, with blackened faces harping back to the pagan days when the Druids may have smeared their faces with ash from their bonfires. Long before "trick or treat" children went round the houses and had to perform a poem or a song or tell jokes before receiving nuts, apples, sweets (candies).

Thanks to all those who came along for the whole month. Hello to all who are visiting just for today. This is a bloghop - check out some more!

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Now we come to the defining battle of the Ramayana, in which Rama utilises all the skills and wisdom acquired along the way to overcome the forces of hatred. All along you have been hearing and seeing demons, as befits the leadup to Spooky day. Am sharing this battle today because tomorrow's post will be long enough as it is!



NOTES;
Despite his brother Vibhishana's warning of impending doom if he didn't soften his ways, Ravana was determined he could win against the allied armies of Rama and Sugriva. We can certainly look at the history in terms of its strategy and material consequences, but must also remember this is a scripture and the subtleties of life and duty are to be taken from it. Ravana represents our baser instincts; lust, greed, envy, anger, egoism. We must fight our inner animal with the gift we alone have as human beings - our intellect. Summoning our 'Rama-selves' we have the ability to rise above and control our common nature. The battle with our ego is as ancient as our species and the ego is the greatest demon of all!

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Today we resume the (very brief) telling of the Ramayana, through a children's cartoon and my added extras. Wednesday is Spooky Day and you will recall that am going to bring together Vijayadashami and Dusshera. To do that, the episode of Rama and Lakshmana's meeting with Hanuman and the aid of the monkey armies of Sugriva will be skipped - if you really want to see it CLICK HERE. As said before, you are getting an absolute 'nutshell' representation of what is an immense story! To summarise that episode; the princes have interaction with Hanuman who introduces them to Sugriva. The monkey king is having trouble with his brother Valli, who is terrorising his lands and seeks the help of the noble warriors. Rama agrees to help and, having learned from Sugriva that Sita's jewels had been gathered by the monkeys, asks a favour in return to assist their search for his wife. It is the group led by Hanuman which locates her. She is being kept on the island of Lanka. Hanuman uses siddhi to became enormous and in one leap can cross to the island. There he brings to Sita a token from Rama so that she can keep her hope of rescue. In turn, she gives Hanuman a jewel to show Rama she awaits him...



NOTES;
The term 'demon' is used here for the Lankans; this is to be interpreted as 'enemy'. In modern terms, we tend to supplant the term 'terrorist'. It is very important to understand that Ravana was a highly intelligent man and the 'ten heads' is an analogy for his being a polymath. He was a dictator, with all the character traits implied by that.
The Bridge Building... are you thinking this is all a wonderful fairy tale? Oh no my dears. Remember, itihasa (Indian history telling) is largely allegorical to ensure it gets told and retold. All legend arises from fact in the way that smoke arises from fire, even when the flames have died. Check this out!
Observe the 'arms race', the naming of superior weapons of mass destruction... another reminder that nothing we are experiencing now is anything different from what we have experienced before.
What can also be found here is the building of alliances, forming bonds of mutual benefit with other 'nations'...

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Having settled in Panchavati, Rama, his wife and brother are living a simple and fulfilling life. They hunt and gather their food and have very limited interaction with others. As is the cycle of things though, the idyll could not last...



NOTES;
Surpanakha is representative of lust; her name means 'sharp-nailed'.
Khara, one of her brothers, is a king; his name can mean 'to tax' or 'to take a toll'.
Dooshana is assistant to Khara; his name has multiple meanings, all related to dark behaviours, such as 'denigration', 'spoiling' and 'molestation'.
Rama overcomes the challenge presented by all these negatives. However, even the mighty and righteous can be tricked by their eyes and a desire to please their beloved.
Also, even in trying to be charitable, we can get it wrong (Sita) - we ought not to give if it puts ourselves or others at risk by stepping 'outside the "guide" line' or 'overstepping our mark'!

The tale of Jatayu is dealt with hurriedly here, but it is one of the most moving parts of the entire story. The bird is now recognised for posterity in a theme park dedicated over the ancient territory it is believed he fell.

The next instalment will be here on Monday, as we break for FFF and the weekend regulars!

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

The next instalment of Rama's story;



NOTES;
what has been omitted is that Bharata and Shatrughna were absent in another kingdom whilst all of Keikeyi's intrigue was played out. He loves his mother but is right to be angry with her poor choice of action thus helping her understand her own shortcomings - we all need a "mirror" person!
Why does Rama not return on news of Dasharatha's demise? Had he refused to leave Ayodhya at first, his father may have continued living. However, we cannot live with 'ifs and buts' which lead to regret. If we have set a path, we must see it through to the best of our ability or our lives will be strewn with unfinished works and unrealised potential.

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Yesterday's lengthy treatise may have had you running for the hills... but I hope not, because from here things are pretty basic. A little series designed for kids will serve the purpose and I will add the grown-up bits. Be aware that this saga has a great many subtleties and sub-stories intended to demonstrate Sanatana Dharma, Rama and his brothers being the example by which we ought to live. It cannot be conveyed in full in these 'for fun' posts, so only the major dramatic highlights will be given. (In case any are wondering, no, the left wrist is not back in action though I can manage the occasional sentence as a physio exercise... but am also using cut/paste from earlier posts at AVbloggy and "tizzying" them up!)

Okay - the story of Rama begins with the king Dasharatha being desperate for a son from one of his three wives. A special fire ceremony (homa) is performed and the elixir which came from it was drunk by all three wives. Eventually, they all gave birth: Kausalya to Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharata and Sumitra to twins, Lakshmana and Satrughna. The princes all grew handsome, strong and intelligent, learning from, and respecting well, their elders and teachers. They were teenagers when the forest sage, Vishvamitra, appeared at the palace in Ayodhya and requested the assistance of the princes in the protection of his ashram against some demons. The old king revered the sage for his blessings in gaining these sons, so agreed to their going to the forest. Rama, in particular, proved to have great prowess against the evil invaders and Vishvamitra presented him with a powerful sword. He also furthered the princes' education and then introduced them to a neighbouring king...



NOTES: 
Rudra is one of the names of Shiva. The sword is called Danush.
Kaikeyi was not naturally jealous, but we are presented with an example of listening to poor counsel and gossip.
Despite the austerity of forest living which would come, Rama was prepared to honour the boon as his beloved father had promised and he took that promise as his own. Nobility, integrity and selflessness in the face of envy and ambition.

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Leading up to 'spooky' day, I have been sharing some outlines of different aspects of feminine energy, in the form of the Navratri festival. On one comment, the question was asked as to the significance of the multiple arms of the images. I wish to go into the next part of my festival series, but it is a good and pertinent query, so let's take a look at the basics of what seems like craziness from the outside!

What is to be remembered is that the Ultimate Power of the Universe has no form. All mortal man can do is attempt to explain it through both science and philosophy. The philosophy pertaining to the spirit and the grand question "who am I?" is generally referred to as theology. Over centuries, Mankind has chosen to honour The Power as "God". For those less intellectually able to conceive of The Self as God, many representative depictions developed.

In Sanskrit tradition, it is said that there are 33,000,000 'gods'. These are not taken as physical beings (though they may be depicted thus), but as the powers over which they exert control. Think on this: for a country, state, or city to run properly, the government creates various departments and employs individuals within those departments — teachers, postal workers, police and military personnel, construction works, doctors, politicians, and so many more. Each of these departments employs hundreds or thousands of individuals carrying out their respective duties and each sector has an individual or multiple individuals that oversees the activities of that one unit. Each head of an area is endowed with certain privileges and powers which facilitates them in their tasks. It’s safe to say that the number of individuals working for a government goes into the millions. This is just to keep one country working. Multiply that by all the countries on the planet and the total would easily come out to tens of millions of people employed by the various governments of the world to run one planet.
Now, the source power of the universe is one thing, but having set things in motion, other lesser powers manifested and then still others as planets and stars formed. These were given names. For example, there is someone responsible for the sun and his name is Surya. The goddess Saraswati is the overseer of knowledge. The creator of the material universe is known as Brahma. The destruction of the universe is overseen by Shiva and Vishnu serves as the maintainer. There are individuals overseeing the oceans, the wind, and practically every facet of creations. When seen from this perspective, 33 million is not that big a number. (Vedanta does go into chemistry and physics - but you're not here for that, I suppose!)
Bringing it back to that question of the arms; the number of arms may vary according to the deity but all are expressions of the strengths/talents/boons which may be gained by a devotee's focus upon that particular manifestation of the Universal Power.
Okay, why did I tell you all this? It is because that source power is the singularity of spiritual vision which has always drawn Man to it, either as their concept of "God" or as a scientific curiosity. It is one and the same thing. How we choose to approach That is as many and varied as the contents of the cosmos which has arisen from it.
Moving along... one of the things that happen from time to time, according to various scriptures, is "God" manifests as a living breathing human. The next part of my Menoctoberfest is going to look at one of the key avatars of the Hindu pantheon, Shri Rama. The Ramayana is truly an epic and its themes are eternal; there are birth, studentship, marriage, courage, love, jealousy, exile, deception, kidnapping, tragedy, death, friendship, loyalty, mighty feats and battles, victories small and large... more on that starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, a little taster clip showing the high drama of Indian story-telling. Many translations of the Ramayana into the vernacular languages are themselves works of great literary artistry, including the Tamil version of Kampan, the Bengali version of Krittibas, and the Hindi version, Ramcharitmanas, of Tulsidas. Throughout North India, the events of the poem are enacted in an annual pageant, the Ramleela ('Rama Liila' meaning only, Rama's Play).

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Day nine is known as Navami and it is the last day of the festival. On this day, people worship the goddess as she bestows prosperity on all her devotees. Peacock green (or jade) is the colour of the day and devotees should dress in attire that is of this colour.

Siddhidatri-maa is known as 'The Mistress of all Supernatural Powers'. Siddhi is Sanskrit for meditative ability (which can seem supernatural to those without), and datri means 'bestower or giver'. Therefore, devotees can focus on this avatar of Maa for furthering of their meditative skills. Appropriate dedication will be rewarded with one or more 'siddhis'. The eight siddhis are named Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakambya, Ishitva and Vashitva. Anima means to reduce one's body even to the size of an atom; Mahima means to expand one's body to an infinitely large size; Garima means becoming infinitely heavy; Laghima means becoming  weightless; Prapti means having unrestricted access to all places; Prakambya means to realize whatever one desires; Ishitva means to possess absolute lordship and Vashitva is the power to subjugate all.

This completes Navratri. As mentioned previously, though, there is usually a tenth-day 'party'. This will be covered on the 31st.

There is some story-telling to follow which is the depiction of Sri Rama and the vanquishing of terror (yup, that meme is as old as Mankind) BUT... FFF will be here as always and this month it falls on the 26th. That's next Friday peeps!

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Day eight of Navratri is known as Ashtami. On this day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahagauri. The attire that devotees will wear on this day will be of purple colour.

Gauri means 'white.' Austerities are referred to as 'tapas' in Indian tradition, which actually means 'heating' or even 'burning', so the result of Parvati’s tapas was that her skin blackened from the fire of her tapas – and as Kaalratri Maa, she defeated the enemies of the gods. This morning (in cosmic terms), Lord Shiva bathed Parvati with the waters of the Ganga, and lo and behold, the blackness washed away revealing the pristine goddess, whose face resembled the moon.

Dressed in white, sitting atop a white bull, holding authority in her right hand in the form of the trident, she holds Lord Shiva’s gift of the damaru, the two-headed drum, in her left. It is from this damaru that the Maheshwara Sutra is heard, and speech is gifted to humankind.

Meditation upon Mahagauri will bring the dedicated seeker to an appreciation of the myth of duality, the grand delusion of Maya. Mother Gauri enlightens the spiritual seeker and removes the fear of rebirth by granting salvation.

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Now we come to Saptami - wear grey today. The avatar of focus is Kaalratri, she who is as black as night.

In this form, maa was able to fight all evil forces, giving no mercy. She is there for those times when life has to be shaken about and freed of ties and troubles seem to be round every corner.

Black references primal darkness before creation and also the darkness of ignorance. Hence this form of the goddess is considered as one who destroys the darkness of ignorance.

Invoking Goddess Kaalratri, therefore, empowers the devotee with the devouring quality of kala (time) and the all-consuming nature of ratri (night) - allowing all obstacles to be overcome and guaranteeing success in all undertakings.

This form primarily depicts that life also has a dark side – the violence of Mother Nature that encompasses death and destruction. It is necessary to till the soil, to burn stubble and stale roots in order to prepare the ground for new seeds and growth. If we are to make major progress in life, we must be prepared to cut away unwanted habits and even relationships.

Kaalratri rides a donkey - there is no place for vanity when seeking growth.

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Day six of Navratri is known as Sashti. Green is the colour of the day and people are advised to wear cloth of this colour. On this Day, people worship Goddess Durga in the form of Katyayani.

According to a legend, sage Katya wanted to welcome the goddess as his daughter. To please the goddess, Katya performed many formalities. The goddess was finally pleased with Katya and took birth in his home as his daughter and was known as Katyayani.

Symbolically, this avatar carries the sword of judgement and retribution, the lotus of desire and material existence, the mudra (gesture) of benevolence and the mudra of protection. Usually depicted riding a lion, it is sometimes a tiger... either way, there is a force and strength implied. Maa, in this form, is ready to do battle with demons. From this, we are to infer that we can call upon her to help us overcome our sins (sword) and vices (lotus), that she will protect us from ourselves and will bless us if we are truly remorseful.

In the schema of the woman's life cycle, here is the mother of teenagers finding ways to still keep things balanced in the face of some challenging behaviours!

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Continuing (in a non-contiguous manner) the overview of Navratri. Why is this being done, again? This is the month of festivals everywhere and decided to use the ones I celebrate to lead up to a post suitable for Spooky Day. You see after this will come a cut-down version of the Ramayana. It is technically celebrated in the same time period but as both events culminate in a tenth day of battle and victory, the plan is to bring them together on the 31st. Anyhu, moving right along...

Let us now look at Panchami - the fifth day - on which yellow is worn and we celebrate Skandamata-ji.

The name of this incarnation of Durga-maa literally means 'mother of Skanda' and she is depicted carrying her son. Skanda (aka Kartikeya or Murugan), who is the brother of Shri Ganesha, grew up to become the commander in chief of the gods, a talented strategist and able tactician. In worshipping Skandamata we are also worshipping this god. The boon from this is clarity of focus, improved intellect, courage and self-worth.

On the more subtle level, the requirement of feminine power to generate the masculine is addressed here; the importance of the role of the mother is always to be appreciated and honoured.

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

We are on the fourth day of Navratri (chaturthi). The manifestation of Durga here is Kushmanda-maa.

The Cosmic Egg. The coming together of particles, supplying of a good environment, results in the creation of life and light. Here we have the Mother of the Universe. Mother had lived in the sun, releasing its energy to the cosmos. In her kamandalu  are the nectars, the essentials of life (representing the womb and a woman's child-bearing facility).

Durga-maa, as Shakti (Essential Power), is considered as a universal constant. The masculine equivalent, in this case, is Brahma. He, as the active part within The Consciousness which conceived the Universe, she is the power of the manifestation. Their coming together resulted in the climactic OM. The modern term for this is the Big Bang... (howzat for euphemism?!)

Shakti then joins with Vishnu, the maintenance part of the cosmos and from them arise all life as we perceive it. (Vedanta discusses the chemistry and physics... but for the masses, this is how things were explained!)

Devotees will wear royal blue on this day and offer pumpkin. She will bless with cheerfulness, life and easing of ills. Kushmanda is the epitome of unconditional, no-strings, capital 'ell' Love.

Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

First of Navratri is Shailputri puja. Second is Brahmacharini-bhava. Who do we celebrate on the third day/night (tritiya)?...

Sri Chandraghanta.

Now married to Shri Shiva, Shakti transforms herself into a warrior whilst bringing about in Shiva a genteel and softer self.

Riding the tiger of dharma (correct living) comes with the responsibility to make tough decisions. It can sometimes mean being cruel to be kind. Devi Chandraghanta brings justice and discipline. To worship her is to ask for worries to be dispelled and courage to rise - to discover our inner warrior in tackling the battles of life.

Wearing red - the colour of action and anger, this figure represents our teens and twenties as we fight to establish our personalities and position in society.