Rimple Sanchla's Blog, page 18

Worshipping Young Girls in Navratri

यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः।
यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफला क्रिया:॥
Where women are honoured, divinity blossoms there. And where they are Dishonoured, all actions remain unfruitful.

This is the Sanskrit Verse showing how women are directly connected to the Divine. This is Hinduism.

In the Hindu festival of Navratri, which lasts nine sacred days, a special ritual called Kanya Pujan or Kumari Pujan takes center stage. This involves worshipping young, unmarried girls—known as Kumaris—for all nine days or on key days like Ashtami (eighth) or Navami (ninth), depending on tradition. These girls are seen as living forms of Goddess Durga, embodying her pure, unmanifested energy. By honoring them, devotees awaken this divine power, drawing positive vibrations from the universe that bring blessings like strength, peace, and prosperity. Families invite these girls into their homes, wash their feet, offer them food, new clothes, and gifts, and bow to them to seek their blessings—an act that shows deep reverence for the feminine divine.

The Hindu scripture Rudrayamala Tantra explains that girls of different ages represent unique aspects of the Goddess, each offering distinct boons. For example:

A one-year-old girl is Sandhya, symbolizing calm and balance.A two-year-old is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.A three-year-old is Tridhamurthy, reflecting the triple divine form.A four-year-old is Kalika, a fierce protector.A five-year-old is Subhga, bringing good luck.At six, she is Uma, a form of Parvati.At seven, she is Malini, full of grace.At eight, she is Kubja, teaching humility.At nine, she is Kaalsandharbha, tied to strength over time.At ten, she is Aparajita, the invincible one.At eleven, she is Rudrani, a powerful Shakti.A twelve-year-old is Bharavi, vibrant with energy, and at thirteen, she is Mahalaxmi, goddess of wealth.At fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, she is Peethnayika (leader), Chetraja (ruler), and Ambika (divine mother), respectively.

Each age carries a special energy, and worshiping a Kumari of that age blesses devotees with specific gifts, like wisdom, courage, or abundance, based on their devotion.

Significance of Kanya Pujan in Hinduism

Kanya Pujan is a cornerstone of Navratri because it celebrates the divine feminine, or Shakti, in its purest form. In Hinduism, young girls are not just symbols—they are treated as real embodiments of the Goddess. This ritual shows that every girl carries sacred energy, a power that is honored before she even steps into adult roles like wife or mother. By bowing to her, devotees—men and women alike—express gratitude and humility, recognizing that Shakti is the source of all life and strength. This practice connects the individual to the cosmic energy of the universe, bringing spiritual growth and physical well-being.

The significance goes deeper: it’s a celebration of innocence, potential, and purity. Unlike many traditions that value women only for their roles in family or society, Kanya Pujan honors girls for simply being who they are—divine in their essence. This act strengthens the bond between humanity and the Goddess, reminding everyone that femininity is sacred and powerful at every stage of life.

How Hinduism Stands Unique with Kanya Pujan

Hinduism’s Kanya Pujan is unmatched in its reverence for young girls and women, setting it apart from every other faith or culture. No other religion has a ritual where young girls are worshiped as living goddesses, given such a central and active role in a major festival. This isn’t just respect—it’s devotion, a belief that the divine resides in every girl and woman, no matter her age.

In Hinduism, this reverence isn’t limited to Navratri. The faith worships goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati as supreme powers, not just as companions to male gods. But Kanya Pujan takes it further by bringing that worship into the real world, making it tangible. Young girls—ordinary daughters and sisters—are lifted to the status of deities, their feet washed and their blessings sought by entire families. This isn’t a symbolic gesture; it’s a living practice that shows women and girls as sacred in their own right.

Other faiths may honor women in stories or teachings, but none match this direct, ritualistic elevation of young girls to divine status. Hinduism doesn’t just say women are important—it shows it through actions like Kanya Pujan, where even a one-year-old girl is seen as a goddess worthy of worship. This tradition reflects a core Hindu belief: Shakti, the feminine energy, is the driving force of creation, protection, and transformation. By celebrating girls and women in this way, Hinduism stands alone in its deep, practical respect for the feminine, making Kanya Pujan a truly unique and powerful expression of that value.

Below are some more Sanskrit verses on Women.

अतुलं तत्र तत्तेजः सर्वदेवशरीरजम्।
एकस्थं तदभून्नारी व्याप्तलोकत्रयं त्विषा॥

The incomparable radiance that was born from all gods and pervaded the 3 worlds, came to one place and took the form of a woman.

नारी अस्य समाजस्य कुशलवास्तुकारा अस्ति
Woman is the perfect architect of the society.

नारी राष्ट्रस्य अक्शि अस्ति
Woman is the eye of the nation

Significance of Three-Claps during Kanya Pujan and even Garba

In Hinduism, during the vibrant Garba dance or the sacred Kanya Pujan ritual of Navratri, the rhythm of three claps holds deep spiritual meaning. These claps are not just a sound—they are believed to awaken divine energy through the frequencies of desire, action, and knowledge. Each clap connects to the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), the three supreme forces that create, sustain, and transform the universe. This practice also stirs the fire element, a symbol of power and purification in Hindu tradition. No other faith in the world ties such a simple act to the worship of the divine feminine, making it a unique part of Hinduism’s celebration of women and young girls.

The First Clap: Awakening Brahma’s Energy of Desire

The first clap calls forth the energy of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. This clap represents the spark of desire—the wishes and dreams that live in the heart of every individual. In the context of Kanya Pujan, it’s a moment to honor the pure intentions behind worshiping young girls as forms of the Goddess. Devotees believe that by clapping once, they awaken their inner longing for blessings like peace, strength, or prosperity, which the Kumaris, as embodiments of Shakti, can help fulfill. This energy of desire sets the stage for the divine connection between the worshiper and the feminine power they revere.

The Second Clap: Awakening Vishnu’s Energy of Action

The second clap brings to life the energy of Lord Vishnu, the preserver who sustains all existence. This clap stands for action—the steps and efforts a person takes to turn their desires into reality. During Garba, the rhythmic clap matches the dance movements, symbolizing devotion in motion. In Kanya Pujan, it reflects the active respect shown to the young girls—washing their feet, offering them food, and bowing to them. Vishnu’s energy flows through these acts, showing that honoring the divine feminine isn’t just a thought but a living practice. It’s about putting faith into action, a value deeply cherished in Hinduism.

The Third Clap: Awakening Shiva’s Energy of Knowledge and Boons

The third clap invokes the energy of Lord Shiva, the transformer and giver of wisdom. This clap signifies the results—the boons or blessings that come from devotion and effort. In Hindu belief, Shiva’s power brings knowledge, clarity, and fulfillment, completing the cycle started by desire and action. During Kanya Pujan, this clap is a moment of gratitude, as devotees receive the divine grace of the Kumaris, who bless them as living goddesses. The fire element tied to this clap burns away ignorance, leaving behind the light of understanding and the gifts of the Goddess, like courage, health, or abundance.

A Unique Hindu Celebration of the Feminine

The three claps weave together the energies of creation, preservation, and transformation, all centered around the worship of Shakti—the feminine divine. Whether in the joyous spins of Garba or the quiet reverence of Kanya Pujan, this ritual reflects Hinduism’s unmatched devotion to women and young girls. The claps awaken the fire within, purifying the mind and soul while honoring the sacred energy of the Goddess in every Kumari. No other religion ties such a profound spiritual act to the celebration of femininity, making this a uniquely Hindu tradition. Through these three simple claps, devotees connect to the cosmic forces of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, all while bowing to the divine power of girls and women—a practice that stands alone in its beauty and depth.

Day 4 of Navratri and Mata Kushmanda

The Fourth Night of Navratri and Goddess Kushmanda

The fourth night of Navratri celebrates Goddess Kushmanda, who removes sorrows of the mind and ego. She connects the big universe outside with the small universe inside us. Her energy shines as an orange light with a golden hue, inspiring creativity and respect for others’ work while clearing away false pride.

The Orange Light and Emotional Healing

Mata Kushmanda’s orange light, mixed with a golden glow, brings emotional healing by boosting creativity and self-worth. It helps us let go of ego and negative thoughts, filling us with peace and confidence.

The Swadhisthan (Sacral) Chakra in Depth

Goddess Kushmanda’s power lives in the Swadhisthan, or sacral chakra, located in the lower abdomen. This chakra is tied to creativity and self-respect. It connects to organs like the uterus, large bowel, ovaries, testes, and sexual organs, as well as the reproductive system. When this energy is strong, it supports health and balance in these areas.

Spiritual Discipline and Navratri’s Fourth Step

On the fourth day of Navratri, worshiping Goddess Kushmanda teaches us discipline and inner harmony. This step in the festival encourages us to value ourselves and others, growing stronger in spirit and purpose.

Orange Light Visualization in Modern Meditation

In meditation, picturing an orange light with a golden touch can spark creativity and self-respect. Inspired by Kushmanda, this practice helps heal the mind and body, bringing a sense of balance and joy.

Kushmanda as Parvati: The Pauranic History Connection

Goddess Kushmanda is a form of Parvati, known for creating the universe with her smile. Her name means “the one who creates the cosmic egg,” showing her power to bring life and energy. She guides her devotees to overcome ego and embrace humility.

Tying It All Together

Mata Kushmanda’s orange and golden light on the fourth night of Navratri blends creativity, healing, and self-respect. Through her energy in the sacral chakra, she helps us let go of sorrows and grow in harmony with the world around us.

Day 3 of Navratri and Mata Chandraghanta

The Third Night of Navratri and Goddess Chandraghanta

The third night of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, a deity who brings bliss, peace, and calmness. She also supports growth in life’s activities and helps us understand our purpose. She shines with a red light mixed with a pink hue, spreading her divine energy.

The Red Light and Emotional Healing

Goddess Chandraghanta’s red light, tinged with pink, is a symbol of strength and peace. This energy heals emotions by giving courage and stability. It helps us feel secure and strong, calming the mind and heart.

The Mooladhar (Root) Chakra in Depth

Chandraghanta resides in the Mooladhar, or root chakra, located at the base of the spine. This chakra is all about self-awareness, stability, and feeling grounded. It connects to organs like the kidneys, bladder, pelvis, spine, hips, and legs. The adrenal gland and the excretory system are also linked to this chakra. When this energy is strong, it boosts our confidence and health.

Spiritual Discipline and Navratri’s Third Step

On the third day of Navratri, worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta teaches us discipline and focus. This step in the festival helps us build inner strength and stay connected to our life’s purpose through her blessings.

Red Light Visualization in Modern Meditation

In meditation, imagining a red light with a pink glow can bring a sense of security and power. This practice, inspired by Chandraghanta, helps people feel stable and peaceful while healing the body and mind.

Chandraghanta as Parvati: The Pauranic History Connection

Goddess Chandraghanta is a form of Parvati, known for her fierce yet calm nature. Her name comes from the crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead, shaped like a bell (ghanta). This form shows her strength and grace, protecting her devotees and guiding them toward peace.

Tying It All Together

Mata Chandraghanta’s energy on the third night of Navratri combines peace, courage, and healing. Through her red and pink light, she strengthens the root chakra, helping us feel secure and grow in life. Worshiping her brings balance to our body, mind, and spirit.

Day 2 of Navratri and Mata Brahmacharini

The Second Night of Navratri and Goddess Brahmacharini

The second night of Navratri is all about Goddess Brahmacharini, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Her name means “one who practices devotion” (“Brahma” for divine knowledge and “Charini” for one who follows). She’s shown walking barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot, symbolizing focus and purity. This night is about growing smarter and stronger inside, as she guides devotees toward truth and purpose with her calm, wise energy.

The Blue Light and Emotional Healing

Brahmacharini brings a blue light that stands for love, loyalty, and the power to reach your goals. Blue is a peaceful color that helps you feel steady and true to yourself. This light connects to the Vishuddha (Throat) chakra, helping you speak your needs clearly and heal emotional hurts tied to feeling misunderstood or stuck. It’s like a cool wave that washes away confusion and builds confidence.

The Vishuddha (Throat) Chakra in Depth

The Vishuddha chakra, or Throat chakra, is the fifth energy center, located at your throat. It controls your throat, neck, lungs, and upper digestive tract, plus the thyroid gland, which keeps your energy and growth in check. When this chakra is open, you communicate well, feel aware of your purpose, and stay honest. If it’s blocked, you might struggle to speak up or have issues like a sore throat or tiredness. Brahmacharini’s energy helps unblock it, healing related organs and boosting your ability to express yourself.

Spiritual Discipline and Buildup on the first day

Worshipping Brahmacharini on the second night builds on the first day’s heart-opening with Shailputri. Now, it’s about focusing your mind and finding your true path. Her discipline—think of her barefoot penance—teaches devotees to stay committed to their spiritual goals. This night strengthens your voice and purpose, setting the stage for the deeper growth coming in the next seven nights of Navratri.

Blue Light Visualization in Modern Meditation

You can use Brahmacharini’s blue light in meditation today. Sit quietly, imagine a soft blue glow at your throat, and breathe it in. Picture it spreading to your neck and lungs, calming you and helping you feel strong enough to say what matters. People use blue in relaxation exercises because it lowers stress and clears the mind—perfect for connecting with her wisdom and healing your throat area.

Brahmacharini as Parvati: The Pauranic History Connection

Brahmacharini is another form of Parvati, just like Shailputri. After being reborn as the mountain’s daughter, Parvati became Brahmacharini to win back Lord Shiva through tough penance. She gave up food and comfort, meditating for years to prove her love and loyalty. Her blue light reflects this steady, devoted spirit—strong enough to chase big dreams. On this night, she’s the young Parvati, full of determination, showing us how wisdom and effort lead to success.

Tying It All Together

When you honor Brahmacharini, you’re tapping into her story and her blue light to awaken your Throat chakra. Imagine her guiding you with that cool, loyal energy—clearing your voice, healing your neck and lungs, and helping you know your truth, just like she pursued Shiva. In today’s world, it’s a way to find focus and speak your mind clearly and confidently.

Day 1 of Navratri and Mata ShailPutri

The First Night of Navratri and Goddess Shailputri

Navratri, a nine-night Hindu festival, celebrates the Divine Feminine through the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurga. The first night is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, whose name means “Daughter of the Mountain” (from “Shail” meaning mountain and “Putri” meaning daughter). She’s often depicted riding a bull and holding a trident and lotus, symbolizing strength and purity. As the first manifestation of Durga, she represents the beginning of the spiritual journey—a grounding force tied to nature and stability, much like a mountain. Her association with green light aligns with renewal and balance, setting the tone for the transformative nights ahead. Devotees honor her with offerings and mantras, seeking her blessings to start their inner purification.

The Green Light and Emotional Healing

The green light is a powerful symbol tied to Shailputri. In spiritual traditions, green is the color of harmony, growth, and compassion—qualities that soothe anger and foster peace. This light is said to resonate with the Anahata or Heart chakra, the energy center located at the chest. When you meditate on Shailputri’s green light, it’s believed to flow into this chakra, dissolving emotional blockages like resentment or grief. Think of it as a gentle reset button for the soul, helping humans release pent-up negativity and open up to love. This aligns with Navratri’s broader purpose: a time to shed old burdens and realign with higher energies.

The Anahata (Heart) Chakra in Depth

The Anahata chakra is the fourth of the seven main chakras in the yogic system, acting as a bridge between the lower, earthy chakras (root, sacral, solar plexus) and the higher, spiritual ones (throat, third eye, crown). It’s all about love—not just romantic love, but unconditional acceptance of self and others. Physically, it governs the heart, lungs, chest, arms, and shoulders, as well as the thymus gland, which supports immunity—a neat link between emotional openness and physical health. When this chakra is balanced, you might notice better listening skills, empathy, and resilience. If it’s blocked, though, issues like loneliness, breathing difficulties, or even heart-related ailments can crop up. Meditating on Shailputri’s energy, especially with focus on the green light, is said to activate and heal this chakra, clearing traumas and boosting the efficiency of these organs.

Spiritual Discipline and Navratri’s Starting Point

Shailputri’s worship on the first night isn’t just a ritual—it’s the launchpad for spiritual discipline during Navratri. By focusing on the Heart chakra, devotees begin with love and compassion as their foundation, which is key for the intense sadhana (spiritual practice) of the next eight nights. Each night builds on this, with subsequent goddesses activating higher chakras and energies. For example, after Shailputri grounds you in Anahata, the second night’s Goddess Brahmacharini might stir the Svadhisthana (sacral) chakra for creativity and discipline. It’s a step-by-step ascent toward enlightenment, and Shailputri’s role is to open the heart so the journey feels less like a struggle and more like a flow.

Let’s expand further by connecting Goddess Shailputri and the Anahata chakra to modern meditation practices using green light visualization, and then dive into her Pauranic Historical roots as Parvati, Shiva’s consort.

Green Light Visualization in Modern Meditation

The idea of Shailputri’s green light resonating with the Heart chakra fits beautifully into contemporary mindfulness and healing practices. Today, many meditation techniques use color visualization to balance chakras, and green is a go-to for Anahata. Here’s how it might work: You sit quietly, close your eyes, and imagine a soft green glow radiating from your chest. As you breathe in, picture this light expanding, calming any anger or tension—like a forest breeze soothing a restless mind. As you exhale, imagine it washing away emotional scars, maybe even picturing Shailputri’s serene presence guiding the process. Studies in color therapy suggest green can lower stress and blood pressure, which ties into the Heart chakra’s role in regulating the cardiovascular system. Practitioners often report feeling lighter and more connected after such sessions, mirroring the traditional belief that Shailputri’s energy heals emotional blocks and boosts love. It’s a simple yet profound way to bring her ancient wisdom into a busy, modern life—whether you’re spiritual or just seeking calm.

Shailputri as Parvati: Pauranic History Connection

Shailputri’s story deepens when we see her as an incarnation of Parvati, the goddess of love, devotion, and power, married to Lord Shiva, the cosmic destroyer and meditator. Pauranic History tells us Parvati was born as the daughter of Himavan, the king of the Himalayas—hence “Shailputri,” the mountain’s daughter. In her previous life as Sati, she was Shiva’s first wife, but she self-immolated due to her father Daksha’s insult to Shiva. Reborn as Parvati, she vowed to reunite with Shiva through intense penance, embodying determination and unconditional love. On Navratri’s first night, Shailputri symbolizes this rebirth and resolve. Her green light can be seen as her nurturing, earthy essence—tied to the mountains where she was raised—while her trident and lotus reflect her balance of strength and grace. This duality connects to the Heart chakra: love isn’t just soft, it’s fierce enough to heal wounds and conquer obstacles, much like Parvati’s journey to win Shiva’s heart.

Shiva and Sati, Shiva and Parvati… Shiva marries the same soul in different bodies. In Hinduism, the bond between male and female is considered sacred. It keeps your Karmic Debt bare minimum. As every person we meet, we touch creates a Karmic Debt. And especially if we exchange bodily fluids (thru intercourse, kissing, etc.). This also explains the concept of soul-mates. You marry the same soul in every birth, which is rare or once in a blue moon event in today’s time. So this is a first path to spirituality.

So, when you meditate on Shailputri during Navratri, you’re tapping into both her historic roots and her chakra-healing power. Picture this: You’re channeling Parvati’s mountain-born resilience, visualizing her green light flooding your Heart chakra, soothing your lungs and shoulders, and awakening your capacity for love—like she did for Shiva. In modern terms, it’s a reset for your emotional and physical heart space, backed by the thymus gland’s role in immunity and Anahata’s link to listening and empathy. The history adds a layer of inspiration: if Parvati could transform pain into purpose, maybe that green light can help you turn trauma into growth.

Shailputri is the PUREST form of Mata Durga. Hence, she is represented in White color.

Mata means Divine Mother.

Jana Gana Mana – Full song (all 5 stanzas) in Hindi

जन गण मन अधिनायक जय हे
भारत भाग्य विधाता।
पंजाब सिन्धु गुजरात मराठा
द्राविड़ उत्कल बंग

विध्य हिमाचल यमुना गंगा
उच्छल जलधि तरंग
तब शुभ नामे जागे, तब शुभ आशिष मांगे
गाहे तब जय गाथा।

जन गण मंगलदायक जय हे भारत भाग्य विधाता
जय हे, जय हे, जय हे, जय जय जय जय हे

अहरह तव आह्वान प्रचारित, शुनि तव उदार वाणी
हिन्दु बौद्ध सिख जैन पारसिक मुसलमान खृष्टानी
पूरब पश्चिम आसे तव सिंहासन पाशे
प्रेमहार हय गांथा

जनगण ऐक्य विधायक जय हे भारत भाग्य विधाता
जय हे जय हे जय हे, जय जय जय जय हे

पतन अभ्युदय वन्धुर पन्था, युग युग धावित यात्री
हे चिरसारथि, तव रथचक्रे मुखरित पथ दिनरात्रि
दारुण विप्लव माझे तव शंखध्वनि बाजे
संकट दु:खत्राता

जन गण परिचायक जय हे भारत भाग्य विधाता!
जय हे, जय हे, जय हे, जय जय जय जय हे

घोर तिमिरघन निविड़ निशीथे पीड़ित मूर्छित देशे
जाग्रत छिल तव अविचल मंगल नतनयने अनिमेषे
दु:स्वप्ने आतंके रक्षा करिले अंके
स्नेहमयी तुमि माता।

जन गण दु:खत्रायक जय हे भारत भाग्य विधाता!
जय हे जय हे जय हे, जय जय जय जय हे

रात्रि प्रभातिल, उदिल रविच्छवि पूर्व-उदयगिरिभाले
गाहे विहंगम, पुण्य समीरण नवजीवनरस ढाले
तव करुणारुणरागे निद्रित भारत जागे
तव चरणे नत माथा।

जय जय जय हे जय राजेश्वर भारत भाग्य विधाता
जय हे जय हे जय हे, जय जय जय जय हे।

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Day 2 Bhagavad Gita – side stories

Drupad, son of king Prishata was the king of Panchal.

He was the father of Draupadi,the Pandavas wife.

Drupada, and Drona studied together in Rishi Baradwaj’s gurukul.He was also Drona’s father.

They became great friends.

While Drupada became a king after the death of his father, Drona lived a life of poverty,he approached Drupada for help. Drupada, now conscious of the status between them, refused to acknowledge Drona’s friendship,saying that a king can only have friend with another king.

Drona was later employed by Bhishma to train the sons of Pandavas and kauravas.

After the gurukul period,Drona asked the princes to defeat and capture Drupada,as Gurudakshina.

Then the Pandavas and Kauravas led by Arjun defeated Drupada,and brought him to Drona.

Drona considering their friend forgave Drupada and set him free, and gave him half of the country to rule so that they are equals.

Drupada felt humiliated.

Drupada performed a great yajna called for a son who could slay Drona.

From the fire of the yajna, twins Dhrishtathyumn and Draupadi, (who married Arjun later) were born.

Drona accepted him as his student and taught him everything.

Later during the Kurukshetra war Drona killed Drupada who fought on Pandavas side.

Dhristathyumn beheaded Drona,when he was meditating.

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Walking with Nanak – By Haroon Khalid (Book Review)

I finished reading Walking with Nanak yesterday night. It’s a very beautiful read. The author Haroon Khalid had been fascinated with Nanak since childhood. He wanted to search and know more about his life. He travels across Pakistan wherever Nanak went.

Following his footsteps (as the name says walking with Nanak) Nanak was born in present-day Pakistan. He left his family to find his own truth. He traveled for 24 years on foot all parts of India – east, west, north, and south, with his friend Mardana. Learning more about Hindus and Muslim’s and finding a middle path. And thereby sets the foundation for a new religion. There are 2 stories running parallelly – one Haroon and his friend’s journey visiting places Nanak visited in present-day Pakistan and other of the history of Sikh Gurus in brief. There are references to various gurudwaras in Pakistan connected to Guru Nanak.

In particular, I enjoyed reading about Nanak’s personal life. He was born in a simple Hindu family, educated by Muslim and he founded a new religion called Sikhism. When he left his family to travel and seek his own truth, he had to deal with all the family issues that once could think of. Unhappy father and mother, wife and kids he was leaving hoping he would change his mind. His father remained unhappy with him whole life as instead of focusing on career, he spent time with yogis and spiritual matters.

After nearly 3 decades of traveling when he returns home, he sees lots of complaints and questions in his wife’s eyes. He never spent time with his kids and hence kids are more friendly with their mother. He struggles to be a part now. Though on surface everything is perfect. His wife would cook food, serve him take care of him but there is still an invisible wall. His kids and talking to their mother but when father comes in, they suddenly stop.

His elder son got more inclined towards ascetics and younger son towards business. He was more worried for his elder son because he himself has been preaching since years that don’t be an ascetic believing in superstitions but find your own truth. He also went thru a phase thinking what will society think that this man who is preaching the whole world, can’t teach the same to his own sons. He is a saint god who is worshipped my Sikhs and non-Sikhs also.

This reminded me of a small paragraph I wrote in my book – Men are from Earth, Women are from Earth – A New Scripture for Men and Women:

There are as many combinations possible as there are families in this world. In a nutshell, every human being is a part of this generation’s dysfunction unless one generation chooses to identify and break through it. It is simply inescapable. And it is reflected in all our relationships, be it with the same gender or opposite. If anyone says he or she has not picked from their parents, they are lying to themselves. One may also decide to be extremely opposite of what their parents were. That is also picked-up by many.

Family dysfunction is passed down from generation to generation like a fire in the woods, taking down everything in its path until one generation has the courage to turn and face the flames. That person brings peace to their ancestors and spares the children that follow. He had the privilege of moving beyond his parents’ limiting beliefs. Beliefs that are formed in response to an injury are always limiting and hinder us from getting what we really want in life. How contradictory and confusing humans’ minds are! One day, we live to make memories and another day, we erase memories to live.

MEN ARE FROM EARTH, WOMEN ARE FROM EARTH – A NEW SCRIPTURE FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Not just Guru Nanak but even our mythological characters like Kartikeya (son of Shiva), Shani Dev (son of Lord Surya – the Sun God), etc. Even if we take a biblical character like Lucifer a fallen angel condemned to hell by his father (The God).

Nobody is immune to family dysfunction

Overall, Walking with Nanak is a very beautiful book to read.