There is an ancient proverb which tells us: ‘No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow’. There is no country on earth, no race, community, or culture that does not celebrate the colours and warmth of this beautiful season, welcoming the spring with open arms. Indeed, we may say that spring brings to us, year after year, the message of renewal of the spirit. After a cold, grey, dull leafless winter, nature finds a new life. Fresh sap moves up the trees, sprouts into tiny new leaves and buds. After the winter hibernation is over, nature wears a new garb, sparkling with life. The balmy breeze ushers in a soothing feeling. The wintry gloom gives way to sprouting green grass, blossoming flowers and chirping birds. Spring kindles in every heart, the desire to celebrate the revival of nature in its beautiful manifestation, and rejoice in its wonderful transformation. Spring symbolises new hope, new aspiration and the spirit of faith that asserts: ‘God is in His Heaven, and all is right with the world!’ Little wonder then, that the saying goes, ‘The day God created hope was probably the same day he created spring.’
Spring teaches us an important lesson. Renew the spirit of life – make a fresh start. Throw away the accumulated dead matter, the emotional garbage of the past, the negative energy that has built up over the years. Offload the dead weeds, the negativity; make a new beginning, now and here.
Why do we cling to the past? I think it is because we do not realise what the Bard said so memorably: “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. This world is a lila, God’s divine play, and each of us is assigned to play a role. The role is played under the benevolent supervision of the Divine Producer-Director. A play has several characters, some good and some evil. Just as actors play their part on the stage, so too we live our lives – the characters may be obnoxious, fighting among themselves, or staging an emotional portrayal of hate, love and grief. Once the curtain falls, they return to the green room, wipe the make-up off their faces, change into their everyday clothes and resume their ordinary lives. The villain and the hero who vowed to destroy each other, embrace and congratulate each other, wish all actors good night and depart for their homes, once the play is over.
Similarly, we too have come here to ‘play our role’ in several relationships. Once we leave this physical body and enter the life beyond, we return to our homeland, to our True Self. Then we realise that the hurt, sorrow, grief, hate and envy accumulated over a lifetime are nothing but needless, irrelevant waste.
The negativity of the past must be burnt to ashes so that we might awaken to a new life every day. Naam Simran, recitation of the Name Divine rejuvenates the soul and lifts it out of despair and bondage. Man is then reborn and rejuvenated with renewed faith in God.
April 2 is Cheti Chand, Sindhi New Year
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