A new life in a new season...
That's winter, my favourite part of the year. This is the period when warmth is the most sought after and soothing sensation. No doubt, the season begins with sore throats and blocked noses followed by dry skin, broken lips, a chill that tingles your spine and a longing for the Sunshine. But never does a cup of hot tea acquire an added taste. Never is the warmth of the first sunshine more enjoyable. You feel lethargic to wake up early in the morning, wishing for a few more yawns under the blanket. That's welcome! Ice-creams and cool drinks are out, chilly bondas, pakodas-- any delicacy that's hot and steamy is relished and savoured. And if you wake up early for a morning stroll, the mist and cool air are absolutely magical.
Maybe that's the reason the Himalayas are so attractive and enchanting for the peace loving and spiritual minded. Doubt if it would have been the same if the Himalayas were in a desert.
Every winter is different inspite of the similar feelings and memories it evokes. This winter added a new member to our family and suddenly the priorities of life appear different. Life is never the same, moment to moment or day by day. I understand, not just intellectually, that Life is always new, always fresh. One moment is never like anything that preceded it, nor will it be duplicated again. There's so much joy, beauty, happiness, depth and intrigue that's bundled up in the moments of life that sometimes when your awareness is clear, you feel overawed, you feel mesmerised at this wonderful creation that God has brought you into. Before you gasp for a fresh breath and wonder again, you're back to your forgetfulness, back to the mundane details, back to the trivial pursuits.
As I stand on the terrace, watching the million specks above glitter through the cold winter night, I resolve to overcome my forgetfulness and climb over the ordinariness of everyday life. I resolve to start afresh my journey and get back to the state of awe, of wonder.
We almost named our son as Hemanth or Shishir, both being names of Winter. And then there were other tempting names--Siddarth, for Lord buddha. And Abhimanyu, my favourite character from Mahabharata. Mom loves sachin tendulkar and wanted her grandson to be named Sachin( I got my name after the stylish batsman G.R. Vishwanath, whom both my parents adored). Archana wished for 'Pratham' from the day her pregnancy was confirmed. But the name we finally decided is all- encompassing, short-sweet-meaningful and an ideal we pursue all our lives.
'Tejas' means inner light.
For Jen and Edu who'd asked, we've named our son as Tejas. (No, I won't tell what we both call him at home!!)
What a wonderful name, it sounds very international too - as though it could be in any language. A lovely aspirational name, congratulations. Will he have a naming ceremony of any sort?
ReplyDeleteI celebrate the joy of this special winter with you and your family—especially your son!
ReplyDeleteOne of Jassen's friends is named Sachin....i like that name.:-)
ReplyDeleteAnd as for Tejas, how is it pronounced? I like the meaning of it as well!!
The first thing that came to mine was Teh-haas...which I believe is how spanish people(from Mexico) pronounce Texas.;-)
Oh, and one more thing to note...Tejas means, "those who are friends"...
ReplyDeleteFunny the different interpretations of things that exist...but really, I do like the meaning of it being, 'inner light'.:-)
Nick..Thanks a lot. Every winter is special but this one seems to be extra special--more so because I have many more friends across the world to share the joy.
ReplyDeleteVal....we have two ceremonies. The first is the naming ceremony, done on the 12th day after birth. Certain rituals are practiced and later three names are chosen--one, denoting the family Diety, the second, after some astrological signs and the third, of our choice. Tejas was our choice.
The father has to write these names on a plate of rice and then whisper these names into the child's ears.
The second ceremony is done a month later wherein a cradle is worshipped and the child is put into the cradle--ritualistically.
Although the significance and deeper meaning of these rituals are unknown to most, and such things have degenerated into a kind of blind faith--they still are very intimate and reassuring.
Do write about the customs followed after child birth in your part of the world.
And yeah, about your trip to kyoto :-)
Jen....You pronounce it as The...(as in Thames)... Jas(as in Just).
And interesting as well that it means 'those who are friends'.