Adam
and Eve: The forbidden fruit
In the Genesis of the Old Testament lies
the story of Adam and Eve, wherein God forbids that from the ‘tree of
knowledge’ its fruit shall not be eaten. Eve ate first (when Adam hesitated) and later he followed.
With this, they were both banished from Paradise.
Quite similar, is the Upanisadic story (as
told in the Manduka Upanishad) of the Pippala tree (representing the body),
where two birds are perched, one (Jivatman, or individual self) who has eaten
the fruit (sensual pleasure), and the other(Paramatman) who watches the first.
The Upanishad eloquently describes the two birds: the former who has achieved
Jiva (the individual self) and the other the Supreme reality, who knows himself
as the Atman.
Religious and philosophical truths have
been shared through stories and parables. Through them rituals are performed to
preserve this truth, but if the meanings are understood the ritual is not
necessary, I would argue. Then, and now, this just points to one fact: the presence
of a Universal Religion: one truth.
[Ram Nidumolu, someone who I met recently,
wrote a book: Two Birds in a Tree, where he expounds on the story, and through
his summary ‘tweets and seeds’ section provides pointers on lessons for
Business Leaders].
Good one! I think it will be helpful if rituals are passed on along with the reasons, to keep them "alive" and to adapt when the context changes
ReplyDelete