Mythology forms a framework for a society to convey their closely held values to the coming generations. It embodies the culture and aspirations of our ancestors. At a time when there was no media with its vast outreach, teaching was by word of mouth. The learned Rishis taught their disciples in ‘ashrams’ situated deep inside the forests that provided little distractions; the bards wandered the land, singing or narrating stories that carried beneficial messages to growing minds. It was hoped that the examples of good, bad and the ugly woven into the theme would help the populace choose wisely at every intersection encountered during their life’s journey. As one climbs the ladder the horizons expand and the boundaries of black and white as well as the greys sandwiched between the two, start shimmering and fading to overlap and merge.
A higher intervention leading to wish fulfilment and miracles were part and parcel of these narratives, serving to catch and hold the attention of minds at various stages of development. Remember the miracles performed by Jesus Christ; again remember the fact that every time he admonished the disciples and the spectators to desist from publicizing the event. He did not want miracles to overshadow his teachings that embodied the very purpose of his birth. One is told to see worldly wealth as the icing on the cake. The true riches lie at greater depths. They also present the simple ‘lollipop’ that confirms the invariable victory of good over evil. In the background of all these artefacts, stretches the wide canvas bearing the decree of the Master Designer of the Universe. Every creation is just one of the fragile strands in the vast network he put in place. You are expected to return a small portion of this debt to the world that sustains you in order to maintain the balance.
Man’s fondest dream is wish fulfilment at every step. The snag is that all our wishes are based on sensory inputs, the antennae being turned outwards. This has been our training from birth.
The Stillness Project 