'In Love (devotion), even an object gains life. Stones speak to you, the Sun, the Moon and the whole Creation become alive and Divine.' ~ Sri Sri Ravishankar

Today is Mahashivaratri. An auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, when the transcendental principal infuses with the mind, body and speech. Shiva on the one hand, is the embodiment of love, beauty, playfulness and innocence, while on the other is the ruthless destroyer! One that is easily angered, and the one that destroys/changes all that which needs to be changed. Such amazing co-existence of these apparent contradictions...

Today, while sitting for Puja, I remarked to Urvi that it was a pity we did not have a Shiv lingam at home. So Urvi tells me she has an idea! She goes downstairs and finds a stone, roughly the shape of a lingam, then she washes and scrubs it clean. She then paints 3 parallel lines on it with sandalwood paste, and puts a red dot in the center with the kumkum paste, and hands it to me. 'Mamma, there you go,' she says :)

We then decorated it with flowers and bel leaves, poured water on it and chanted 'Om Namah Shivaya'.

I think our Shiva is feeling rather pampered :)

Here are some snippets of conversations I've had with Urvi in the recent past:

The Logician:

Urvi: Mamma, why do schools take admission tests?
Me: They don't have place to take all the children who apply. They want to choose the very best, hence the test.
Urvi: But that doesn't make sense!
Me: Why?
Urvi: The ones who did badly are the ones who need to learn, isn't it?

The Brat:

Urvi: Mamma, can I guide you while you give me the oil massage?
Me: Umm...okay...
Urvi: Okay, now close your eyes, and take a deep breath innnn...and relaxxx. Now take your attention to the top of my head, slowly and gently massage my scalp... And relaxxx...Let go all your efforts...

The Philosopher:

Urvi: Just once I'd like to see superheroes fail!
Me: Huh?! What do you mean?
Urvi: Why does Chhota Bheem have to win every contest, every fight? It is alright to come second once in a while, isn't it?
Me: Yes, of course.
Urvi: I mean, he'd still be Chhota Bheem if he came second or even last...

The Observer:

Urvi: Mamma, have you noticed there are so many stray dogs in the (Art of Living) ashram?
Me: Yes.
Urvi: Have you noticed they don't bark?
Me: Hmm...I believe you are right. Why do you think that is?
Urvi: Oh its probably because of the bhajans and the meditations...

The Goal-Setter:

Teacher: Urvi, what is your aim in life?
Urvi: To never grow up!

This video has been lying on my laptop for over 3 months. Yes, I have been characteristically lazy. This was recorded during a practice session with Urvi's teacher, Mr Washington, who is on the piano.