I am growing quite fast, no I am not bluffing … new pair of
shoes, clothes and the XL size diapers are testimony to this fact. From baby steps to running, I have come a
long way but gravity is a good teacher it keeps me grounded, I end up on my bum
(ouch!) whenever I get over confident.
Last week was Lord Krishna’s birthday and Amma dressed me up like little
Krishna. After dressing me up, Amma was trying her best to make me laugh but the
gags were not good enough so I didn't oblige but after a while I succumbed to
her wishes when I realized all she wanted was few good clicks to post on
facebook or Instagram or whatsapp or may be all !
By the way, Amma makes me pray
every day and I kind of like it. We have quite a few idols of gods/goddesses in
our temple and I must say all of them are quite good looking. I have a special
liking for Hanuman (the monkey god), may be that is why I like the rhyme “five
little monkeys” more than any other.
Once in a while, Amma reads Hanuman Chalisa for me and last Sunday she was telling me that whenever I have problems, all I have to do is read Hanuman Chalisa 108 times and Lord Hanuman will take care of me. Bhai was around and asked why should we read Hanuman Chalisa only 108 times and not more ? to which Appa replied – 108 is a very sacred number and its significance in the universe cannot be ignored. He explained that the diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the earth, the distance between the sun and earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun, also the average distance of the moon from the earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon.
I didn’t understand much but Bhai seemed to have deciphered Appa’s explanation. Appa tried to justify the significance of 108 with few more details which I don’t recall now but the gist was our Sages knew about all this long before modern science discovered it and they had decided that repeating the prayers 108 times will be good.
Bhai never gets convinced, he questioned - “will it not be better to spend this time studying for the exams rather than simply repeating Hanuman Chalisa” ? Appa’s response was – “chanting OM 108 times or reading Hanuman Chalisa will fill you with new vigor and strength, these are simply forms of meditation and it will increase your concentration power. It simply means you can complete your studies in 30 minutes instead of 2 hrs, is it not great ?”. Bhai laughed and replied to Appa, - “I don’t study more than 30 minutes anyways so I don’t need to do it. Also, I have never seen you doing this so I guess I will be fine”. Amma and Appa smiled at each other, probably thinking they need to walk the talk.
Like all other days, Amma closed the morning prayers by applying Vibhuti (sacred ash) on mine and bhai’s forehead. Bhai wanted to ask the reason for this ritual but then better sense prevailed and he withheld his query, saving us from another boring lecture from Appa.
Once in a while, Amma reads Hanuman Chalisa for me and last Sunday she was telling me that whenever I have problems, all I have to do is read Hanuman Chalisa 108 times and Lord Hanuman will take care of me. Bhai was around and asked why should we read Hanuman Chalisa only 108 times and not more ? to which Appa replied – 108 is a very sacred number and its significance in the universe cannot be ignored. He explained that the diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the earth, the distance between the sun and earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun, also the average distance of the moon from the earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon.
I didn’t understand much but Bhai seemed to have deciphered Appa’s explanation. Appa tried to justify the significance of 108 with few more details which I don’t recall now but the gist was our Sages knew about all this long before modern science discovered it and they had decided that repeating the prayers 108 times will be good.
Bhai never gets convinced, he questioned - “will it not be better to spend this time studying for the exams rather than simply repeating Hanuman Chalisa” ? Appa’s response was – “chanting OM 108 times or reading Hanuman Chalisa will fill you with new vigor and strength, these are simply forms of meditation and it will increase your concentration power. It simply means you can complete your studies in 30 minutes instead of 2 hrs, is it not great ?”. Bhai laughed and replied to Appa, - “I don’t study more than 30 minutes anyways so I don’t need to do it. Also, I have never seen you doing this so I guess I will be fine”. Amma and Appa smiled at each other, probably thinking they need to walk the talk.
Like all other days, Amma closed the morning prayers by applying Vibhuti (sacred ash) on mine and bhai’s forehead. Bhai wanted to ask the reason for this ritual but then better sense prevailed and he withheld his query, saving us from another boring lecture from Appa.
I hear Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner and Bhai tells me Amma will make some yummy modaks ….i am waiting for you Lord Ganesha !
