■◇■ラジャ氏の原文 ■◇■
It is a very special time of the year for all in the region.
We celebrate the closing of the season by worshipping Godess Durga.
Legend informs us from the Ramanaya--one of the greatest ancient
scriptures of India,that Ravana the King of Sri Lanka,
obtained the boon from Lord Shiva of perennial life,after painful
penances and prayers.
However,Shiva added a rider that Ravana's life could not
be taken by any man or Deva(God).
Blessed with this ,Ravana turned into a veritable tyrant,
misusing his powers to such an extent,that even the Devas
were victimised by his excesses.
The Devas,created Rama-- an avatar--who was neither man or a god.
Ram was the perfection of a human,yet not a God or Deva.
His wife Sita too was incarnated, with such beauty,
that Ravana had to steal her from Ram,for Ram to embark on his
voyage to rescue her. Ravana was so powerful,that Ram initially
could not penetrate Ravana's defence. Ram, prayed to Goddess Durga
to overcome Ravana. During his prayers to Durga, he had to offer 108
lotuses. To test Ram,Godess Durga hid one of the lotuses. When she pointed
out to Ram,that therre were only 107 lotuses, imeediately Ram offered to
shoot out one of his eyes with his arrow to make up the missing number,and
thus ensure the mantras completion. Durga was so pleased that she gave
Ram the power to kill Ravana. Ram with this blessing, overcame the evil
Ravana,hence celebrating Dussera is a celebration of the victory of all
positive forces over evil ones.
This year, as usual there will be two separate Dussera "pujas" in the
MakaiBari as well as Kodobari villages. I have been invited to both,as well
as the two German University students who are researching different aspects
of the Makaibari way of life. The community members have informed me that
this year's prayers are more significant as the world seems bent on
unleashing the forces of negativity.
Ofcourse all of us will also share the
first day of Dussera with guests from Japan, Mrs.Yoko Ishii, with
Ms.Chino--a famous jounalist from Japan.
All members of the Makaibari community enclose prayers to all our
readers,that the spirit of Makaibari from the tea cup--arouses all the
positive energy to overcome each one's negativity-- for the radiance to
emerge,and sweeten everyone that they come in touch with.
Till next week-- may you all have a joyous time.
