I am married!
Mumbai, India
At such an early hour (3am) cricket near stop their sound at the dry edge of the beach. Each time I stride along Juhu’s sands I meet the same persons – the beach cleaners, a patrol unit, two men in a jeep, one or two fishermen, the same dogs, a colony of beach dwellers fast asleep. Only the sandpipers must be different as they scurry across before taking off in flight. The name is the same. I am speaking about the chant which goes along with my walking. Of all the mantras that exist, as the breathe of the Vedas, it’s this maha-mantra “ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare” which is forever with this humble self.
I may not always be attentive to its glorious sound. I may not always enunciate its words so perfectly. I may not mentally offer it the respect it deserve. But the mantra has become my companion now for about 38 years. That’s a fairly big commitment.
I sat down with my dear friend Tamohara from Florida. We had lunch together. He mentioned he’s been married to the same lady for forty years. That’s an accomplishment. I had to ask myself, “ who am I married to ? “ that question might sound a trite bit silly to some people coming from a monk’s mind but truly I had to ask myself, “ who is my companion?”
The answer came at the time of the morning beach walk. “It’s the mantra, that is whom I am used to. And like in relationship sometimes my mood in dealing with my companion (whatever) it is sometimes hot and sometimes cold but there definitely is a companionship there. I can safely say that there will not be a separation as long as I can value that companion.
In conclusion I have this to say, “ It’s really nice to be married. “ And the next time someone asked me if I am married I will proudly say, “yes I’m married to a mantra.”
8KM
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