Hari
OM
Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and
parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.
Do you ever wonder at why there are festival days in virtually every
cultural/spiritual philosophy? Take this month, for example. The interfaith calendar tells us:
9
Martyrdom of the Bab - Baha'i
11
St Benedict Day - Catholic Christian
13-15
Obon (Ulambana) - Buddhist/Shinto
15
St. Vladimir the Great Day - Orthodox Christian
16
Asalha Puja Day - Buddhist
24
Pioneer Day- Mormon Christian
25
St. James the Great Day - Christian
Every month is filled with celebrations of one kind or another.
There are some which didn't get listed here. What purpose do they serve?
Well, there is the obvious thing of remembrance of a great event,
leader or teacher. This shows respect and reverence. Then there is the joining
together as a community with a common focus. This always brings an exponential
quality to such things. Even if one is not able to join a group, sitting in
contemplation of the focus of the given day brings one's mind and energy into
the 'pool', as it were and a sense of joy or peace can arise.
Thirdly, there is the personal connection of the devotee and the
person or event of focus. This is arguably the most important aspect. Every
person who is on the path of inner search requires resting places. It is
necessary to be prompted and reminded of why we are doing what we are doing and
to have some form of example to hold up as a beacon to keep us on our path.
It would be wonderful indeed if we were sufficiently balanced and
advanced in our mental skills to not require such things. However, in the end,
we are mere mortals. We suffer with the attachments of life and distractions of
the world and without our saints and sages and 'small gods' to whom we can
surrender our ego, whom we can have present in the form of an image or statue,
we can become scattered and lost. We become easy pickings for the lower values
in life.
Yet, even with these things, we can go adrift! There is the danger
of taking them for granted. At all times the focus is dependent upon our own
determination.
Be aware. Be mindful. Do not look upon the festivals of your
tradition merely as 'holidays from work' or days for feasting only without a
care for why. No matter the celebration, remember and revere.
