BATH

As bathing in water removes grime on the body, bathing in the water of soul removes grime of the mind. Through thorough observation of oneself and conversing with self, one can come in contact with the soul (inner self) which is beyond the body, senses, mind, and intellect. Though it is with mind, one observes and with intellect, one recognizes the thoughts which is the form of mind, the real place of one’s self is soul and nothing else. Until the self establishes in self strongly and mind continues to see differences such as good and bad, comfortable and uncomfortable and dualities of so forth, bathing in the water of soul cleanse the mind. With mindful cleansing, mindlessness can be achieved and one clearly comes in contact with the self which is ever liberated, all pervading, ever pure, shining on its own. Continuous practice of this assures establishing one strongly in self.

Mathrudevo Bhava

Mother is our goddess and first teacher. She is the physical form of love, care and patience. Even when sometimes we get angry with her or go against her words, when we come back to her and say sorry, she remains with the same loving smile and hugs us. A real mother is always selfless and just needs to see her child always safe and happy. It is really this time’s need to understand mother’s love and sacrifices. May we love our mothers and love and respect the motherliness in every woman. May there won’t be anymore rapes, abuses or mothers and fathers being admitted to old age homes or thrown to streets.

The following is the first stanza of Mathru Panchakom – a very beautiful and meaningful poem by Sri Shankaracharya. It clearly explains the sacrifice of a mother. May each words go deeply into our hearts.

Aasthaam thavadeeyam prasoothi samaye durvara soola vyadha
Nairuchyam thanu soshanam malamayee sayya cha samvathsaree
Ekasyapi na garbhabhara bharana klesasya yasyah kshmo
Dhathum nishkruthi munnathopi thanaya tasyai jananyai namaha

While giving birth to me, the one who suffered the excruciating unbearable pain, who had the biochemical changes in body while carrying me in womb and became weak due to not having taste, who after my birth slept in the same filthy bed with my urine and feces for a year, and with one and utmost care, she carried my weight in her womb with lots of sufferings, yet very patiently; even I become great, I could never compensate in return; my salutations to that dearest mother.