Myths and mortals
From May, to now October, the month of Diwali, time flies faster after college. Juggling between my work and personal life, I have tried to preserve my hobbies that keep me sane, reading is one of them.
Myths = Mithya is one such interesting book I came across. How beautifully the cultures historically have been intertwined and co existed, all on the basis of small stories and folklores. This tells the immense power that storytelling has, and while it might have changed its forms in this day and age, it is equally relevant and thriving.
As a child, we are shown the softer aspects of religion and worship. Mostly because questioning them is not desirable, curiosity is not pushed enough. There is a worldly limit, within which the families want us to stay. Neither beyond to reach ascetism, nor too within to be entirely aloof. Both the aspects are condemned in hushing tones by ‘society’, and rightfully so. The balance majorly, thankfully and successfully prevails.
Another viewpoint might just be how the darker truths are embraced by us from a young age, making their way through these softer aspects, which is equally important. An example could be the stories of aggressive forms of our gods, be it Maa Bhadra Kaali, or Bhadrakaal. The usage of ‘Bhadra’ itself signifies the justified, positive and much necessary aggression against the negativity. The teachings are plenty.
Another interesting thing is that the concept of evil does not exist in Hinduism. It is mostly prevalent in monotheistic religions. There are asuras and rakshasas. Asuras are in constant tussle with devas and live below the earth. Rakshasas co exist with humans on planet earth. They are intelligent and determined, which makes them boon – worthy, but more often, their destructive selves take over which requires intervention of god.
The creator of world, is Brahma, but as per the book, in the scriptures, he is the first one to be simply made conscious and aware about his surroundings. He is made aware about the goddess. And from him other creations stem. This might as well indicate towards existence of someone before him, who made him conscious and caused him to create. The scriptures also indicate the existence of many brahmas of different worlds, which had existed before this world and many contemporary brahmas which exist in parallel worlds. The possibilities are endless. So are the interpretations.
Until next time.