The Maha Kumbh Mela and Quantum Mechanics

 

The Way To Triveni Sangam

In quantum mechanics, time and space are not fixed constructs but infinite, fluid dimensions where reality exists in superposition. The linear perception of time, a mere human construct, dissolves in the quantum realm, where past, present, and future coexist. Particles behave probabilistically, moving with apparent free will, neither bound by causality nor confined to a singular path. The universe, in this view, is a boundless quantum field, constantly shifting, where existence is not a sequence but an interconnected whole. Without a definitive beginning or end, what we call "reality" is but a fleeting wave in an infinite ocean of possibilities. So a simple observation of nature is all about nothing. Since reality is an infinite quantum field, any observation is merely a transient interaction within an ever-shifting wave. What we perceive as nature is an illusion—nothing but fleeting probabilities.

Ramana Maharshi

This contention is identical to the thoughts and philosophy of Ramana Maharshi which is the prescription of Vedanta Philosophy.

Quantum physics suggests that reality is a superposition of possibilities, with particles existing in multiple states until observed. This aligns with Vedanta’s idea that the perceived world is Maya—an illusion created by the mind. According to Vedanta, our perception of reality is not absolute but conditioned by our consciousness. Ramana Maharshi emphasized self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), urging seekers to question the very nature of their existence, ultimately revealing that the self and the universe are one indivisible whole.

In quantum mechanics, the observer effect highlights how observation collapses a wavefunction into a definite state. Similarly, Vedanta teaches that the mind, through identification and perception, constructs the illusion of separation. If the observer withdraws their identification with form and time, what remains is pure consciousness—akin to the un-collapsed quantum field of infinite potential.

The notion that time is a human construct resonates deeply with Advaita Vedanta, which posits that past, present, and future are mere projections of the mind. In the ultimate state, beyond duality, existence is timeless and boundless, just as quantum physics suggests a reality beyond deterministic cause and effect. Thus, both quantum mechanics and Vedanta converge on the idea that reality is an ever-shifting, interconnected field of potential, where what we call "nature" is but a fleeting manifestation of the infinite. The key, according to Vedanta, is to transcend illusion and recognize the eternal self—the substratum of all existence.

Hence to understand consciousness, a spiritual seeker should practice Atma Vichara (self-inquiry), asking, "Who am I?" Ramana Maharshi propounds the notion of self-enquiry, which is the process to dissolve egoic illusions, to reveal pure awareness. Meditation and mindfulness is known to help transcend time-bound perception, aligning with the quantum field of infinite potential. Therefore, detaching from transient phenomena, observing without attachment, and surrendering to the present moment would lead to direct experiential knowledge. True realization arises when the seeker recognizes that consciousness is not personal but the infinite, formless essence of existence itself.

Naga Baba at the Kumbh Mela

Sivapuranam, a devotional hymn to Lord Shiva, deeply resonates with Vedanta philosophy and even parallels quantum mechanics in its understanding of reality. The hymn glorifies Shiva as the ultimate, formless reality (Brahman), beyond duality, time, and space. This aligns with Advaita Vedanta, which teaches that the world of separateness is an illusion (Maya), and true knowledge comes from realizing the non-dual, infinite self. By surrendering to Shiva, devotees dissolve their ego, transcending the limitations of individuality and merging with the absolute.

From a quantum perspective, reality exists as a superposition of possibilities until observed, similar to Vedanta’s idea that the material world is not independently real but shaped by consciousness. The hymn’s devotion symbolizes a shift from identification with transient forms to recognition of the infinite field of existence—just as quantum physics describes the universe as an interconnected energy field rather than fixed matter.

By meditating on Shiva, the seeker quiets the mind, moving beyond perception-based illusions. This echoes both Vedantic self-inquiry and the quantum notion that observation shapes reality. Ultimately, Sivapuranam serves as a bridge, guiding one from egoic limitation to the boundless, eternal awareness that underlies both spiritual realization and quantum existence.

At The Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest spiritual gathering, resonates deeply with Ramana Maharshi’s core teaching of Atma Vichara (self-inquiry), the question “Who am I?”. Seekers from all walks of life gather at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, symbolizing the dissolution of ego and the purification of the self. The confluence of the holy Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is the focal point of this ritual, which holds special significance this time as it marks the 12th year of the 12-cycle event, last occurring 144 years ago. The act of bathing in the holy waters represents shedding illusion (Maya), much like Ramana’s teaching, which urges seekers to go beyond the false identification with body and mind.

Greeja, my nephew Yuhain and I took our bath on Shatilla Ekadesi (an important day for Lord Vishnu) day on the 25^th January 2025. This day was also astrologically significant in the sense that it was the day when 7 planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Mercury (joining the alignment briefly), making it one of the rarest celestial events. More importantly this alignment is believed to amplify the energies of these planets, which in turn provides an aura for personal transformation and growth. This cosmic intervention is supposed to facilitate the alignment of one’s thoughts, action and goals. While taking our holy dip facing the sun, each of us had our own introspection, and none of us spoke about it, quietly embracing the energy.

At The Triveni Sangam

At that moment, the absoluteness of my existence seemed meaningless—stretching into eternity—though it lasted only a few minutes. I closed my eyes, lost in contemplation.

What eventually brought me back to my senses was the thought of Raviena and Banu, who were celebrating their special day as well. In New Zealand, they had their Registration of Marriage performed, and we had the privilege of witnessing the ceremony live via video, just before we set out for the Holy Dip.

It was an incredibly emotional moment for Greeja and me. Though we felt the sorrow of not being physically present, we were comforted knowing that she was surrounded by wonderful people to witness the occasion. Our emotions deepened even further when we saw her wearing my late father's watch. It felt as though he was there in spirit, watching over her, witnessing her momentous day.

The Union of Raviena and Banu

At that instant, I realized that the path of self-inquiry would not be an easy one. Detaching from worldly bonds is no simple task when one is deeply rooted in attachments, responsibilities, and the accountability that life inevitably brings. The journey inward is profound, yet the ties of love, duty, and relationships remain ever strong, making the pursuit of self-realization both challenging and deeply meaningful.

To me the Kumbh Mela was not just a ritual but an inward journey, where seekers renounce worldly attachments, mirroring Ramana’s path of introspection. The vast congregation reflects the interconnectedness of all beings, reinforcing Vedanta’s idea that the self (Atman) is not separate but one with the absolute reality (Brahman). Just as the seeker inquires “Who am I?” to dissolve ego, the Kumbh Mela provides a space for self-reflection and ultimate realization.

At The Kumbh

For me the journey continues, searching for the beginning, to understand the end.

ravivarmmankkanniappan@2317160220253.0567° N, 101.5851° E

from BEARDO's kitchen : Katta Salted Fish Curry ...... a Sri Lankan version

 

Katta Salted Fish Curry

I was in Sri Lanka two weeks ago, and managed to get fresh salted fish from Kudawella, a fishing village in South Sri Lanka. I got both their speciality salted fish the Katta (Queenfish) Salted Fish and the Southern Bluefin Tuna (a rarity in this part, hence its price). 

Today I am going to cook the Katta Salted Fish curry. Below are the ingredients for today's cuisine. From the top, the pounder with pounded black pepper, baby potatoes (you can use any type of potatoes), Chilly Powder, Thatta Payir (Black eyed peas), coconut milk, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Tumeric powder, Fenugreek seed, Chopped onion, garlic & green Chillies, Chopped tomatoes & Brinjal, Tamarind and in the centre is the Katta Salted fish.

The Ingredients

Make sure you soak the Katta fish in room temperature water and soak the black eyed peas in hot water for about 15 to 30 minutes.

Transfer the Katta Fish in a Wok

(You can also use Mud pot for this dish)

Transfer the remaining items

Firstly transfer the Katta Fish, Chopped Onion/garlic/green chilly, potatoes, brinjal, black eyed pea, coriander powder, tumeric powder and chille powder.

Coconut Milk

Then pour the coconut milk in the wok and stir well. Let the the chilly powder, coriander powder and turmeric mix well. 

Finally you can fire up the stove, and let the main ingredients to cook. You can put a lid on so that it cooks well. 

Stir Well

Cover the Wok with Lid

Then add tomatoes and let it cook for 5 minutes. After that add fenugreek seeds, cumin powder and pounded pepper and allow it to cook for another 5 minutes. 

Curry Leaves

Almost there, add curry leaves to enhance the flavour. Taste for salt, since it's salted fish this should be done towards the end.

If everything is good, viola Katta Salted Fish curry, the Singhalese way, is ready to be served. Did you notice something........I did not use oil at all. That is a speciality of this dish.

Tonight dinner was, Katta Salt Fish curry with Brinjal Paal curry (Brinjal Coconut Milk curry) with stir fry spinach. It was indeed yummy.

If you are thinking about the oil in the cooking, well the coconut we used in the cooking tonight would be more than enough to cover it. 

So everyone, please do try this simple cuisine and do let me know.

Until the next time....

Cheers.

ravivarmmakkanniappan@2229201220243.0567° N, 101.5851° E 

 

 

FEAR

Sunset at Cinnamon Island, Koggala Lake, Sri Lanka

I was inspired to write this piece after my recent encounter with FEAR in Sri Lanka. A feeling that was long forgotten by me, caught up with my existential self.

I was in a situation recently that should have put me in the utmost fear. But for whatever reason, the fear did not engulf me, instead, my entire focus was channeled towards getting out of that tight spot as best as my roommate and I could. Even after out of danger, my friend and I together with the rest were focused in making sure all of us got out safely.

Well, only after an hour out of harm’s way, my legs started to wobble a little. I guess the adrenaline rush just then was weaning off.

Fear is a natural psychological reaction when one is caught in a situation which they are not in control of. However, what is most important is not so much the fear itself but how we handle this fear. I still remember making a ruckus wanting to go back while watching the movie Gumnaam (a Hindi movie), so my Pappa had to bring me back home, while my Amma and Aunty continued watching the movie. Mind you this happened in 1966 when I was a mere 3year old, and I can still vividly remember it till today, such is the power of fear.

But of course I have come past that a long time ago. But retrospectively looking at life, I have come across some of the most defining moments, and fear following me throughout.  However, what made the difference was the way I handled it to-date.

What is the worst that can happen to one, ultimately it is death.  If one can accept death and does not fear the inevitable death, then there is nothing to fear, at all. 

The Buddha in his teachings had emphasized the practice of Maranasati or the mindfulness of death as a way to confront and accept mortality. In the conversation between Yudishithira and Yaksha in the Mahabharatha (the episode of Yaksha Prashna), one question posed was, “What is the greatest wonder in the world?” Yudhishithira’s answer was, “Day after Day, countless creatures go to the abode of Yama (death), yet those who remain desire to live forever. This is the greatest wonder.”

According to psychologists, fear is basically an emotional response triggered by a specific perceived threat. The brain’s amygdala and hypothalamus kick in to survival mode where the body could respond in 3 ways:  FIGHT, FLIGHT or FREEZE. At that point the adrenaline and cortisol rush would determine how one manages the threat. Interestingly the fear of the known seem to be easier to manage than the fear of the unknown. I guess when one is dealing with a known threat, the hindsight knowledge one has allows the person to better prepare, rationalize and cope with the impending threat. Whereas when the fear culminates from a threat that is unknown, it definitely creates uncertainty and a lack of control to the person and eventually amplifying anxiety.

Greeja and I were once caught in the Trafalgar Square, during a London Mob (it’s London, so anytime is a good time for a bovver), an experience we will never forget. It was extremely overwhelming, people running in all directions, and with both the perpetrators and enforcement personnel engaging head on. In the midst of the chaos the most likely thing that can happen is both of us may get separated, which we did for a good 5 minutes, when someone just shoved his way between us which broke our clutched hands. I turned around and within minutes Greeja was out of my sight. The fear of something happening to her made me break out in a sweat, but thank God she was pushed to a wall and I managed to reach her and we started walking the opposite direction away from the mob. But for that moment the fear of losing her engulfed me, though just minutes before we got separated we did agree, that in the event we  do get separated,  we will not waste our time looking for each other in the riot but will head straight to our hotel and meet up there.

Thus were some of the moments in my life where I faced some of the worst fears. But it is nothing compared to many historical figures who saw death staring straight into their eyes and yet they continued to strife to pursue their course. Alexander Solzhenitsyn who faced brutality and certain death whilst imprisoned in the Russian Gulag by the order of Stalin, continued to write exposing Stalin’s totalitarianism. Or for that matter, nothing compares to the sacrifice of Kuyili, the Commander in chief of the Udaiyal Womens Army to Rani Velu Naatchiyaar in 1780. Where Kuyili, applied ghee to her body, self-immolated and jumped into the British Ammunition depot in Sivagangga, Tamil Nadu, which gave Rani Velu Natchiyaar the advantage to defeat the British and the Nawab of Arcot. I dared not imagine what ran in the mind of Kuyili, at that moment when she decided to leap into the arsenal ablaze.

Kaarthigai Deepam 2024, Thiruvannamalai, India.

(Photo courtesy from Jyothi TV Live Drone Video)

These are moments where the “FEAR” of a bigger call diminishes the individuals “fear” of an imminent threat or even death.

I would end my thought with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”

Hence my only hope is, next time when I am in a tight spot which threatens my existence, I would have the wisdom to exercise that FIVE MINUTES.

Cheers.

The Full Moon on Kaarthigai Deepam

13 December 2024

(Subang Jaya)

ravivarmmankkanniappan@2014121920243.0567° N, 101.5851° E

 

SOMETIMES

The Jacket

And I thought I am going to lose it forever. This was the second time I had to endure that thought. 

We just checked into a hotel, and I was getting ready to have my bath, when my room mate walked in, and we started to have a conversation. Suddenly there was this loud hissing noise as though of a major gas leak coming from outside. Out of curiousity my room mate opened the room door to inspect, to be greeted with a frantic voice shouting "FIRE FIRE, PLEASE LEAVE THE ROOM and GO DOWN using the FIRE STAIRCASE". Confused of course but realising the imminent danger, my room mate and I grabbed our little bags which had our passports and other important documents and ran towards the Fire staircase. I was half naked, (thank God it was the top half), but my roomate was fully clothed as he had just stepped in just now, before the commotion. 

We were on the 6th Floor of the hotel, and by the time we reached the 3rd floor staircase, the lights went off, and it was pitch dark. Luckily both of us had our phones, and we progressed to the ground floor with the light from the phone torch light. At that point we were the only ones climbing down the staircase with hotel staffs going up, perhaps to evecuate the others. By the time we came to the ground floor lobby, there was already thick smoke greeting us. We made a dash to the the street with hotel staff ushering us. 

We made a head count to check whether our other comrades were out, slowly one by one emerged from the smoky lobby with other hotel guests. All were out except 3. We were frantic, we informed the hotel staff about them. Our main concern was one of our mates who owing to stroke a few years ago has a slight mobility impairment. After a good 10 minutes all 3 of them emerged from the lobby, where by now there was already a thick smoke bellowing from both from the lobby and the 7th floor. The fire department came soon after and their attention was targetted in rescuing a guest who was stuck on the 6th floor. He was eventually rescued through the window. No casualty was reported with serious injuries except for the rescued guests and one of our mates who had some breathing difficulty was sent to the hospital via ambulance for examination and observation. To our relief, our mate who had to spend a night in the hospital was discharged the next day with a clean bill of health.

Our journey of friendship began in 1983 in USM, Penang and slowly this relationship became an eternal bond that saw us through thick and thin. Of the 31 comrades only 14 of us participated in this outing. 

We were more concerned for each other than thinking about ourselves during the crisis. As for me the reflection of the crisis only sat in last night, and started thinking about the "what if" scenarios. It did bring a spine-chilling thought.

My jacket had taken me places and has kept me company for a long time. I hung the jacket in the cubboard as I came into the hotel room. The poor "fellow" endured the heat and smoke and survived. I shouted hurrah the next day when the hotel staff brought down guests' belongings, when I saw my Jacket was intact. Unfortunately one of my mates lost his watch, and he was visibly upset as the watch was of sentimental value to him. I can empathize with him and such a loss is not easy to digest nor accept. Some might ask, "What's the big deal? After all, we should be grateful that nothing serious had happened to us." But it's not that simple to unravel these feelings. Emotions can run far deeper than mere relief.

Beyond that, the thought of losing one another was defintely playing in all our minds, though none of us spoke about it. 

நட்பு என்னும் நூலால் பின்னிய மலர் மாலையை,
தவறி விழுந்தால் எட்டிக் கொண்டிட முடியாது.
அதைச் சிறுத்தி விடுவது பயமாகும்

    

The Garland Woven with the Thread of Friendship,

If it Slips and Falls, Cannot Be Picked Up Whole.

The Fear of it Breaking Keeps One Holding on Tightly.

The above poem speaks volume on the nature of friendship and the fear of losing a friend. Beyond fear this incident, without doubt had conjured profound awareness on the fragility of LIFE and reminding us not to take anything for granted. It made us realize that life can change in an instant, hence telling us to cherish every moment in a relationship. It created an avenue to value friendship and aprreciate the present and finding strengths in connections that transcend transient challenges.

SOMETIMES the thought of merely losing a jacket is only an external manifestation of an internal call to reconcile oneself with the notion of gratitude, compassion and embrace the fleeting beauty of life with humility and love. 

Bopath Waterfalls, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka

But all things said and done, the final words before we parted were, "Let's plan for the next overseas trip." This ecapsulates the true spirit of our brotherhood. Despite everything, our bond remained strong and instead of dwelling on what had transpired on this trip, we were already looking forward to the next adventure.

CHEERS to friendship that doesn't just endure but thrives on the future and new beginnings.  

.......sometimes........

ravivarmmankkanniappan@1517081220243.0567° N, 101.5851° E

  

 

 

at BEARDO's kitchen Sauteed Garlic Potato

I saw this recipe on Youtube the other day, and since Greeja said that she would want to do a simple western dinner, I thought this would be a good accompaniment.

The Grand Finale.

So this is a simple potato dish. Since it was only both of us, I used only two potatotes. I used the Australian potato, which works well with this preparation.

Australian Potato

Sliced Potatoes

Wash the potatoes well, do not peel the skin. This is to make sure it does not disintegrate later. Slice the potatoes thinly, 3 quaters of the way. Then boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes.

Boiling the Potato

Once the potato is boiled, placed a pan over the stove and drop a few tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Then transfer the boiled potatoes and sautee it slowly.

Potato being Sauteed

Once it turns slightly brown, add salt, paprika, and oregano, and stir it till it mixes well. Then add chopped garlic and allow the garlic juice with the butter caramel to seep into the potatoes. 

Salt, Paprika and Oregano 

Garlic Juice 

An viola the Sauteed Garlic Potato is ready to go. It is good for a vegetarian accompaniment too. It can had by itself or to accompany bread toast, rice or even pasta.

Today Chef De Silva prepared Grilled Masala Salmon, Chinese Stir fry Carrot with Mushroom, and Freshly Cut Tomatoes, and to go with it is the Sauteed Garlic Potato.

Dinner Tonite

ravivarmmankkanniappan@2034271120243.0567° N, 101.5851° E

THE BURDEN OF INGRATITUDE

 

Somewhere in the Streets of Thiruvannamalai, TN, India.

எந்நன்றி கொன்றார்க்கும் உய்வுண்டாம் உய்வில்லை
செய்ந்நன்றி கொன்ற மகற்கு

yendhnanri konraarkkum uivuntaam uivillai
seindhnanri konra makatrku

There may be redemption for those who even commit murder, but there is no salvation for those who are ingratitude.

The above couplet 110 from Thirukural written by Thiruvalluvar (the famed Tamizh Philosopher, Saint, circa 500ce) shows the importance of gratitude in human relationships. Thiruvalluvar says that even a person who has taken someone else’s life could seek absolution but not for a person who betrays gratitude.

The concept of gratitude seems to be slowly eroding today and it appears that a lot has to do with the evolution of self-concept.  Whether as an individual or as a communal entity, people are aggressively promoting exclusivity rather than inclusivity. Once there was a notion that via globalization people of the world would converge into an inclusive global community, but this is far from the reality. We are more fragmented as a nation, what more amongst nations. Ethnic identity supersedes national interests and the creation of social cohesion and justice.

With all that is happening at both micro and macro level, how does then the concept of gratitude sit from a relational perspective.

To expound the cause and effect of this dilemma, I would like to narrate the story of Queen Kaikeyi and King Dasharatha in the epic of Ramayana. Queen Kaikeyi fought with valour to safe her husband King Dasharatha from a certain death. As gratitude for saving his life Dasharatha gave Queen Kaikeyi two boons, which she said she will exercise it at a later time. That time came when Dasharatha wanted to abdicate his Kingdom and wanted to crown Prince Rama as the new king by virtue of he being the first born to the eldest of the three Queens, Queen Kausalya.

This was where the second queen, Queen Kaikeyi wanted her son Prince Barathan to be appointed rather than Rama. Thus began the treachery where she used her boons not only to make Prince Bharathan as the King but also to banish Prince Rama and his wife Sita in exile for 14 years, and hereon began the epic Ramayana.

In this scenario King Dasharatha felt betrayed by the action of Queen Kaikeyi, which eventually led to his death not only owing to a broken heart but also the fact that he had exiled Prince Rama and Princess Sita. By applying the virtue of the Thirukural above, this betrayal exemplifies the violation of the deepest trust between husband and wife. The Thirukural also says that any boon stemming from gratitude should only be used for noble or virtuous causes and not one that reeks of self-centredness.

Queen Kaikeyi’s action did not only end with losing her husband but she also lost her son Prince Bharathan’s love and lived in isolation in the Kingdom. Prince Bharathan adored Prince Rama and totally despised his mother’s treachery. In fact he promised that he will never sit on the throne of Ayodhya, and would merely act as an administrator until the return of Prince Rama after his exile.

Nothing depicts more the cause and consequence of ingratitude like the above excerpt from the Ramayana.

In modern times I still remember the intervention of the US in Afghanistan upon Soviet Union invasion in 1979. In the name of liberating Afghanistan, through what was known as Operation Cyclone, the CIA funded and trained local Mujahedeen fighters to take up arms against the presence of Soviet Union. The Mujahedeen were truly grateful to the US for eventually freeing Afghanistan in 1989 from the Soviet Union.

However, after the conflict ended, the US gradually pulled out of Afghanistan leaving a power vacuum, when the people of Afghanistan and the Mujahedeen expected the US to continue their funding and support to rehabilitate a war torn country. The Mujahedeen specifically felt betrayed because they supported the US to fit a bigger agenda that is the ongoing cold war between the US and the Soviet Union. It appeared that the US merely used Afghanistan as a war theatre to show their superiority against the Soviet Union.

This eventually led to total chaos in Afghanistan which fell into another round of civil conflict which went on for another 20 years. During this period we saw the rise of the Taliban, and the birth of the Al Qaedah which eventually unleashed global terror. This incident reflects the consequences when commitment and gratitude in international relations is not honoured.

In a consumerist world that we live today, the presence of transactional relationship appears to be overwhelmingly present which negates the depth and authenticity of meaningful relationship to mere exchange of materialistic value rather than establishing relationships that are based on trust, empathy and mutual respect. Transactional relationship increases sense of competition and comparison where one’s self worth is measured by external validation rather than an internalized self-awareness on virtuous existence.

In such muddled socio-dynamics, the concept of gratitude would be lost in translation. From personal conflict to global altercation, very often we see, despite all efforts taken to find solutions, the conflicting parties neither have respect for each other nor the arbitrator who has come forward to help to resolve the matter. In many cases the intervenor becomes subject to abuse and torment.

During the ethnic conflict between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority in Rwanda, the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces under the banner of United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was sent to Rwanda to monitor and promote the peace agreement between the Rwandan government and Rwandan Patriotic Front (a Tutsi rebel group). But what is now known as the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 saw one of the worst human atrocities committed in modern times, where the UN peacekeeping forces were not only powerless to stop the carnage but they themselves succumbed to threat, torture and death during that period. The head of the mission a Canadian, General Romeo Dallaire in a dejected voice was recorded saying, “I felt betrayed by humanity”, not only because his team faced the said onslaught but also the lack of support by the world to the mission itself.

I am sure many of us may have inevitably faced scenario of ingratitude within our circle of family, friends and colleagues. The emotional hurt would be greater than the materialistic loss, especially when the person who commits such an action is someone that you were close too and trusted. I guess the reason why the hurt becomes very draining is because there was an element of reciprocity and expectation in that relationship, especially when you have been sincere.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, as a warrior, Arjuna should fulfill his responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the fear of loss or even being happy if he triumphs. Here Lord Krishna emphasizes on the concept of Nishkama Karma (selfless action) which translates, “to perform one’s duty without the attachment to the results”.

I have been adhering to this philosophy for some time now. It definitely makes my life less stressful. When for example I help someone, I take it that I am doing it because “I want to” and “it is within my capacity to do so”, and if I can’t then so be it. I do not carry any guilt for my inability to be of help nor expect any gratitude in return should I render the help.

Nothing in modern literature captures this thought better than Rudyard Kiplings “If”.

If

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

 

The absence of gratitude, when viewed from an emotional perspective, certainly has devastating consequences. However, if we rise above this feeling and act without any expectations – doing good simply because we want to – then events like Lord Hanuman burning the city of Lanka or for that matter, the September 9/11 attacks, would not have taken place.

ravivarmmankkanniappan@151614112024 Latitude, 3° 8' 48.56"N ; Longitude, 101° 32' 20.70"E

from BEARDO's kitchen : Jack Fruit Seed with Maasi dried Fish Dry Sambal

Jack Fruit Seed with Maasi Fish Dry Sambal

Bought some jackfruit yesterday for in between snacks, and inherited its seeds after eating the juicy fruit. Well it has been a while since I ate anything from it's seed. So thought of cooking up something this evening with those seeds. 

This is a simple recipe and easy to make. Ingredients required are Jack fruit seed, Maasi Dried fish, and chilly flakes. My niece Dayani was in Sri Lanka a few weeks ago, and she was gracious enough to bring us Maasi Dried Fish. In case you guys do not know what it is, it's actually Dried Maldive Fish, which is a unique dried fish of Sri Lanka. Maasi Fish is very popular in both Singhalese and Jaffanese Tamil cuisine. 

Firstly we will have to boil the seeds till it becomes soft. Then using a mallet mash the seeds well. Whilst mashing, the skin of the seeds would come of easily. Do remove it otherwise you may have a bitter taste when you bite into it.

Boiled Jack Fruit Seed

Mashed Jackfruit Seed 

Chilly Flakes and Maasi Fish (it comes chipped now)

As usual heat up the pan with oil. Today I am using gingerly oil, because it has a fantastic aroma and goes well with Maasi fish. 

Gingerly Oil Being Heated.

Maasi Transferred into the Oil.

Once the oil is heated, transfer the Maasi Fish into the oil. Keep the heat from medium to low. You do not want to burn the Maasi Fish. 

Chilly Flakes Transferred.

Once the Maasi Fish turns golden brown then transfer the chilly flakes and stir. Add the chilly flakes to your preference, depending on your need for spiciness. Also add salt to taste at this stage. Btw the chilly flakes I used was home made, so no aduteration. I personally like to lightly dry fry dried chilles with a little bit salt before grinding it into flakes.

Transfer the mashed Jack Fruit Seeds

Finally spread the mashed Jack Fruit seeds liberally in the pan, and stir well. Make sure everything mixes well. A good 3- 5 mins stir will do the trick.

And viola you have a fantastic dried sambal that goes well with rice or Idiyappam (String Hoppers), accompanied by Brinjal Coconut Milk Curry (Kathrika Paal Curry) and Sothi (Coconut Milk Curry). 

Tonight it was even simpler dinner, Jack Fruit Seed with Maasi Sambal, Sri Lankan Style Omelette, Sothi and Tumeric Rice.

Do try and let me know. 

Dinner Tonight

ravivarmmankkanniappan@102410112024Latitude, 3° 8' 48.56"N ; Longitude, 101° 32' 20.70"E