Spirituality

I was once asked by a very close friend of mine about how I see spirituality. While putting words to my idea I was surprised that I could narrate it seamlessly though I have never consciously thought about it. I have in all my life avoided shrines and idols. Fasting as a mark of reverence to the umpteenth number of Hindu deities, standing in long queues to offer prayer never attracted me. But I was and am a strong believer in God and keep compete faith. 

While answering my friend I found myself saying that my spirituality is more internalised....it begins and ends inside my consciousness and hence perhaps I don't have to look outside. My spirituality is in my consistency as a person, my dedication as a mother, my commitment as a writer and in my integrity as a human being and it is in my constant effort not to waver from all these. My spirituality is also in negating the inherent impishness that perhaps every human is born with. It is in my fight not to compromise, in holding onto the truth and in taking up failures with dignity. And it definitely is in stopping myself from hatred towards others, especially those who are not good to me. 

Finishing my definition I was little apprehensive if I sounded high and mighty when he, my friend, said, "if I had not known you this long it could have sounded queer. But since I do, I know what you mean." My spirit smiled. 

The Giant Remains Selfish

                                       

There is a park in our neighbourhood. I cross it everyday on my way to office. Till few months back the park used to bustle with the loud cries of children , mostly from the adjacent slum, who played, ran, jostled among themselves with mirth and glee. One day the civic authorities were seen inspecting the park and within a week the muddy patch underwent a face lift. It was a happy sight. The entire area was a covered with a carpet of green grass. The new fence and gate added further beauty to it.

 But once draped the park gate was locked and it remains so till today. Not a child can be seen there anymore....only a coterie of the winged creatures convene at the now marred green, during dusk fall, as if in a protest of the unjust action !!