Tuesday, November 10, 2015

CLOTH MERCHANT






A floral garden displays vibrant eye catching colours and exudes variety of fragrances making the visitor to the garden feel relaxed and refreshed and his  mind and body become salubrious as a result. Whether some flowers are less colourful; some more and some flowers less fragrant; some others more, the visitor is   not particular about. The joyful experience among the flowers of the garden is the
"essence" that counts ! 

This conceptual understanding is essential for all human beings about the "essence" they are made of. The Almighty is One and He became many in the form of creation for his play sake.  Hence, the Elements, the Attributes are all filled by him into multiple forms of creation to carry His play.  Wisdom lies in realising this ‘playful hand’ involved in one’s own existence on this earth - One Essence in different roles to play.

It is said of the wicked  Duryodhana that, at the time of his final departure he realised with surprise and acknowledged before Lord Krishna that such a role as of his was directed by the Lord Krishna residing in himself.

In one of his spiritual renderings, “Vadala Vadala Venta vadevo”, Annamayya diligently compared the Almighty to a  mobile ‘Cloth Merchant’ selling His handwoven sarees in this world.  His consort Lakshmi too involves herself for increasing the business by showing off gold threaded sarees to the buyers. Once accustomed to this Cloth Merchant, the mundane ones are spending their fortune (money) called Karmas, in the earthly market, as per the rates fixed by the Lord.  And the Lord is shrewd enough to see that His business of ‘saree vending’ is perpetual on this earth.

'See the ‘cloth merchant’ selling colourful handwoven sarees at different places and streets.  For Him all the five "Elements", namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space are the 'yarn' dyed with variety of colours.  Threads are stiffened with 'starch' called "unsteadiness" (chanchala swabhava).  And the threads are wound to the 'spindles' called "Trigunas"  (three basic attributes namely Satva guna, Rajo guna and Tamo guna that decide the human behaviour).  Weaving sarees with them and vending is His hobby (sport).

'His consort, Lakshmi is also smart one. Pretending annoyance over bargaining, she is enticing the beings in to purchasing, that is, committing wicked-natured acts on one hand. And on the other hand at the same time, He is disposing of His sarees - with attractive cross and straight stripes - to the earthlings.

'Attracted by His colourful sarees, people are gathering into the market place.  They are spending their money called Karmas.  He being present in all human beings, making them trapped in illusion, and thus fall prey to the karmic bondages, nobody is ever able to dare Him.’.....

“Vadala Vadala Venta Vadevo”  rapturously sung  in  cine format by ‘Padma Bhushan’, ‘Gana Gandharva’,  most popular classical and cine playback singer, K.J.Yesudas.   His Bollywood ever green song “Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara", scintillates in young hearts.  (Relish both songs with fine music in You tube).

Let us try to understand what the work of Annamayya intended to convey.  In the ultimate analysis, we come to realise that everything is as ordained by the Almighty present in each and every form of creation. Accordingly,  one who understands fast and furious current of the river, is not afraid at all but adapts to the river flow and succeeds in his mission of passing through (in this  World) safely !

We are all of one mould, one essence, the Supreme consciousness. This shall be our guiding principle of observation in our dealings with fellow beings in our day to day life!


 Cloth Merchant (10.11.2015)


Om Shanti!

No comments:

Post a Comment