Purnima - the Mind's Mirror
How do you feel on a full moon night?? The beaming light of the moon is profusely intoxicating when one is able to turn one’s attention and awareness towards it. It has such a nourishing and soothing effect on us that it helps us glide deeper into ourselves if we are able to align with it. It is so powerful to the extent that it has facilitated people to uncover the INFINITE Potential that’s inherent in them. Today is one such Purnima when a Great Monk discovered his true nature on the auspicious occasion of Purnima (Full Moon).
Today is the day Prince Siddhartha transformed into Buddha. It was predicted that he would either be a mighty emperor or a noble sage. His father ensured he grew up without experiencing any sorrow so that he doesn’t turn to spirituality. Siddhartha grew up in the best of luxuries and pleasures. He was protected from the outside world at all costs. He never experienced life beyond the confines of his palace until the age of eighteen.
One day he decided to go on a ride into the kingdom. He was escorted by his charioteer. He first noticed an old man who could hardly stand straight. Upon questioning he understood at some point in time, that even he would grow old. This was a huge revelation to him. He saw a man who was ill lying on the streets. He learnt from his charioteer that even he would experience illness in his life. Finally, he saw a funeral and discovered that this body inevitably will die and be as good as a pile of ash.
The journey of eternal seeking
These experiences initiated a deep seeking in him, to understand what is the purpose of Life.
What is it that he is investing himself in? What is the point of living if we are to die ultimately. Why at all take efforts to survive if we are going to die.
He left his royal life and started walking in search of an answer. He just kept walking, not wanting food, or water. Due to his severe endeavour, he soon was reduced to bones.
As he kept searching for answers, he landed at a river called Niranjana and wanted to cross it to reach the other bank. It was a shallow river and got into it, but once he reached halfway he couldn’t muster the energy to cross it. He held onto a stick right next to him and stood still right there. He just waited and did nothing, but knew that he could not take a step further. He trembled in pain, palpitating out of exhaustion. He asked himself what is that I am after? Why haven't I found the answer yet??
He realized there is really nothing to be sought. The phenomenon of Life is to be celebrated and embraced completely. Life is thriving right here and now.
As soon as he realized this, a newfound strength helped him cross the river slowly and sit under a bodhi tree. He sat there with a firm determination to not budge until he realizes his potential. He understood that there is no time involved here as it is not a destination that he needs to reach, it is right here, at this present moment fully vibrating and thriving - Life! As soon as he realized this he shone as bright as the Full moon and it is on this day that he transcended the barriers that stopped him from knowing his true nature. Let us invoke his blessings on us and follow his path of compassion. Let us tap into the power of the full moon tonight and remind ourselves of our Inner Divinity.
