My association with Hindu gods and goddesses was always steeped in the longing I had to travel far from Waterloo, Ontario. I learned the stories of powerful and beautiful Hindu deities at Unitarian Church and in my World Religions class. I spent a lot of time at the Waterloo library and there was this Indian shop near there, where I'd hang out interminably to marvel at (and sometimes buy!) the beautiful clothing and stock up on a ton of incense (unappreciated by my brothers), each kind representing a Hindu god or goddess. (Each whiff of smoke most certainly transferred some of their super powers to me! Cough, cough!) My interest was certainly boosted by my love for my best friend. Her family roots are in Sri Lanka and I thought she and her parents were the bees knees. Better read, so cultured, and infinitely more curious and fun-loving than most anyone I knew. And their food! YUM. (I grew up with a Dad who couldn't cook). While my Mum was alive, we would meditate together to a Ravi Shankar record, staring peacefully at a candle. So I guess that influenced me later. It was lovely. We'd do our sun salutations together in the morning. I'm rambling. Here is some love from Susheela Raman for you today, dear Sovita. Enjoy. XO
I remember talking with you once in high school about Hindu gods and goddesses, and I was really dismissive. I'm so sorry about that. I still don't have much religion in my life, but I do find Buddhism and Taoism have the most wisdom I've found about living. Wonderful that you can focus on all the wheat and let go of all the chaff and you can find things that bring you great joy. Sending a great hug.
You're such a good writer. Would love to hear more about your childhood.
My association with Hindu gods and goddesses was always steeped in the longing I had to travel far from Waterloo, Ontario. I learned the stories of powerful and beautiful Hindu deities at Unitarian Church and in my World Religions class. I spent a lot of time at the Waterloo library and there was this Indian shop near there, where I'd hang out interminably to marvel at (and sometimes buy!) the beautiful clothing and stock up on a ton of incense (unappreciated by my brothers), each kind representing a Hindu god or goddess. (Each whiff of smoke most certainly transferred some of their super powers to me! Cough, cough!) My interest was certainly boosted by my love for my best friend. Her family roots are in Sri Lanka and I thought she and her parents were the bees knees. Better read, so cultured, and infinitely more curious and fun-loving than most anyone I knew. And their food! YUM. (I grew up with a Dad who couldn't cook). While my Mum was alive, we would meditate together to a Ravi Shankar record, staring peacefully at a candle. So I guess that influenced me later. It was lovely. We'd do our sun salutations together in the morning. I'm rambling. Here is some love from Susheela Raman for you today, dear Sovita. Enjoy. XO
https://www.last.fm/fr/music/Susheela+Raman/_/O+Rama
*...bees' knees....
I remember talking with you once in high school about Hindu gods and goddesses, and I was really dismissive. I'm so sorry about that. I still don't have much religion in my life, but I do find Buddhism and Taoism have the most wisdom I've found about living. Wonderful that you can focus on all the wheat and let go of all the chaff and you can find things that bring you great joy. Sending a great hug.
Oh Paige, teenagers. We all sucked. I always admired your energy and enthusiasm and humor. And your intellectual curiosity.
That's so kind. I didn't know there was anything to see in me back then, but as you suggest, I guess we all felt that way too :-).