Avatars, Initiations, and Rathyatra
Since childhood, the tumultuous health and financial issues within my family have relentlessly troubled my mind. Endless questions gnaw at my consciousness, haunting my thoughts ceaselessly. Why do individuals endure health issues? Why do couples engage in bitter quarrels? What drives some to harbor such intense jealousy, anger, and hatred that they resort to extreme measures, including black magic or the misuse of tantric practices? Why do people steal? Why do they weep? Why is the memory of the departed often eclipsed, despite profound love?
Why must individuals endure the weight of health issues? What unseen forces drive couples into bitter quarrels that rend the fabric of love and unity? What dark passions lead some to wield jealousy, anger, and hatred so fiercely that they resort to forbidden arts like black magic or the misuse of ancient rituals? Why do people steal, weep, or struggle to reconcile the memory of departed loved ones despite profound love?
These personal queries, though intimate, reach out like tendrils into the wider world. Why does poverty persist amidst plenty? Why do wars and disharmony continue to plague societies meant for peace and harmony? If the Creator fashioned this complex world, why must death, disease, pandemics, poverty, war, deceit, theft, indolence, and procrastination afflict His creation? These adversities appear starkly incongruous with any benevolent design.
The enigma deepens when contemplating matters of religion and spirituality. Why do paths meant to illuminate minds and hearts, intended for enlightenment, tolerance, and empathy, often become battlegrounds for strife and bloodshed? Why do these paths, intended to unite humanity under shared ideals, instead sow seeds of discord and incite violence?
Many attribute these mysteries to a figure often depicted as a sinister serpent—Satan, the embodiment of malevolence. Yet, across diverse cultures and beliefs, this same serpent is revered as Kundalini—the awakening force within. If Satan embodies darkness, why does humanity succumb to his temptations or chase after forbidden knowledge? Furthermore, if the Creator is truly benevolent and merciful, why did forgiveness not extend to Eve and Adam when they fell prey to the serpent’s cunning?
Why do natural disasters ravage innocent lives? Why are some born into privilege while others struggle from birth? Why do some possess immense talent and others none? Why do good people suffer while the wicked often prosper? Why do we search for meaning in a world that sometimes seems so devoid of it?