Such a question pre-supposes that
something is deliberately kept a secret...!
We do not ask about why the
'water-wash' after an excretion via anus.....
It is with great reluctance or
hesitation that some of the eastern people compromise for a tissue
paper, instead!... and, much to the amusement of those who
are well-used to it.. (now, the phrase, 'used-to-it' here is not
the 'use and throw' like we do with a tissue paper, diapers, whether
a baby-size or adult size.. There is indeed a 'distinct'
possibility, that with 'those' who are 'used-to-it' something stays,
which does not throw 'them-away', from 'it-self'!)...
While today, very few of us have even
'heard about it'... there were a few intelligent ones, in the
ancient days, who obviated even the 'touch'(with hands/palm), for a
wash, after excretion... But at the same time, they did not
compromise on the cleanliness as well as the hygiene... In fact,
they not only sophisticated it, but also improvised the 'end-use'
(both in the literal and figurative sense!) It forms one of the
tools in the functional aspect of a concept Kriya, the shat-kriya...
It is not a big secret... they just place the anus over a flowing
stream, and with a conscious contraction of muscles of the underbelly
etc, suck up the water, and let it out after a 'gargle' in the pipes
concerned! The benefits stretched way beyond the efficiency of
neurological systems, which did affect the brain functioning too, at
physiological levels, and the energy-channels remained 'spick and
span' as they say in English!
So, I guess, I was not entirely out of
context, when I attempted to dwell-upon a dirty-example!
I happened to see an article narrating
the various punishments narrated in Garud-Puran.. what, the
contents were, of the article, or who decided to make it public , or
why at all... etc... is not the theme I am trying to deal with
here.. It is about 'why the ancient people' withheld something,
which now-looks-like, they-being-so-secretive about it!
We know, and 'easily' too... that it
does not make sense to try 'algebra' first for kids, and then the
numeral-forms of mathematics at kid-age... (This, despite
the fact that concept-formation can be assumed to be at an enhanced
level at infant age, and it is we the adults who happen to keep
researching still, about 'how' it happens! Meaning, abstraction is
far more enhanced, in its conceptual levels, but just that.. it is
mostly a non-verbal-form ones....)
Now, this Garuda puran was not held as
a 'secret' at all... Only some restrictions about the timing, were
suggested... The problem is about 'why so'... If 'why so' is not
a problem, then it makes no difference to a mind, about adherence to
the suggested timing... I try to 'guess' a few possible
consequences... whether such consequences (if at all), are going to
really matter, is upto each one to decide for oneself (and therefore,
consequently, my guess work, as well as the theme of the blog too,
would quite obviously collapse, as far as that individual is
concerned, for whom 'nothing-matters' Yep! .. 'nothing-matters' as
a phrase, for me , it symbolises in two senses at least!)...
When somebody has already read it
elsewhere... and now hears it afresh, during that prescribed timing,
his mind says, 'I know what it is about'... and therefore, might
even opt out of a physical urge to take a 'commercial-break' to visit
the toilet , in-between the narrative/paarayan... (This assuming that
the narrator is 'conscious' about what he is doing, and is well-aware
of its implications, repercussions, vulnerability etc)... What is
sought to be 'symbolised' through these punishments is
multifaceted... The details are too-extensive.. But for the purpose
of appreciating the worth and value of the timing, we can easily
visualise the scenario... The fourth day or around it,, after
somebody very close to us has departed, naturally supports our mind
to become a little mellowed down, submissive, detached, and yet very
alert, not lost into worldly-problems etc... This is when, a subtle
aspect, loaded with heavy-symbolisms, can make a dent into the mind,
and perhaps/possibly percolate into the being... I would not even
try to mention other mystic factors about ... 'as to why' a
just-now-departed person, his 'being' is nomenclatured as a pret-atma
for about twelve days, and when the concluding rituals are over, the
designation is re-named as bhoot-aatma... such details carry a
religious-paint , which like our present day weather-proof coating
does not allow even moisture to percolate into our walls (mind)! If
we were totally ignorant about the worth and value of 'symbolism', we
would not have decided to salute to a piece of stitched cloth called
'a national flag'.. though... we find it so difficult to
'discipline' a few of those who do not pay adequate respect to it!
Not all of those who 'ritualistically' stand up and salute are moved
emotionally while doing that act, only a few are 'moved' every time
they even 'see it'... so, we can almost agree, there can be even
'levels' of how deep a 'symbolism' can percolate into us!
Most of the spiritual texts are
necessarily to be infused through a mind... Where as, inanimate
objects, like stone-deities, can be 'wi-fi' too! If the mind has
turned 'ritualistic' about even denouncing anything that is
presented, shown, told ritualistically, and if it 'also' about a
ritualistic form of something that was traditionally symbolic...
where is the scope for a mind, to notice the 'difference' , and only
then to decide about a sense of discretion (judiciously to be
applied), or the discrimination (being applied indiscriminately,
across the board, ad-valorem!.. when I say 'ad-valorem' I guess, it
is obvious that spiritual concepts are not related to any
'material-value'!)
Glaringly yours,
psn (24th october, 2014)
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