NOTE: This blog is based on my understanding and perspective. Any other perspective that is there to what is written, would like the reader to post in the comments. The moderated comments would add knowledge to the other readers as well.

MAnvi was waiting for her thAthA to come, to resume the conversation. Her quiet demeanour reflected her introspection.

MAnvi: thAThA, what each one of the Devis stand for and the fact that each of the Devi is in us, is knowledge indeed!! The awareness of this knowledge is also an experience isn’t it?

thAthA: What does Saraswati stand for, for you, MAnvi?

MAnvi: The answer is in the statement and the question that you put across just now, thAthA. Saraswati is in

– the knowledge that we gain thru whatever we learn thru and this learning could also be thru our experiences

– the skills we have in any area, which includes the forms of dance, music, theatre, art or sport.

thAthA, I have always heard elders saying that, “She / He has ‘Saraswati KatAksham””(blessings of Saraswti), especially if the person has an academic track record. This term is also used when the person is an orator or demonstrates their expertise in the field of music (singing specifically). However, I haven’t heard this term being used if a person demonsrates their expertise in other areas. Quite unfortunately, this term ‘Saraswati Kataksham’ when used for some people only, makes us feel that others don’t have her blessings; which isn’t right, thAthA.

thAthA: Go on, MAnvi. It appears as though you have something different to say as well.

MAnvi: thAtha, if we look at Saraswati from the standpoint of knowledge, then everybody has it in them.

– Some may have an academic track record and would apply it in their daily life – they are utilising what they have learnt

– Some may learn from others and use what they have learnt, in the situations they are in.

– Some may have an academic track record and would not apply it in their daily life – they are not putting into use what they have learnt

Well, ‘The wise and otherwise’!!!*

– Some are skilled in different areas (with or without formal academic studies) – and this could be in any area – plumbing, carpentry, driving, finance, business acumen, music, dance, sport, art, pottery, cooking.. this list goes on.

Everything is learning and knowledge. Everyone learns. Some express / articulate what they have learnt while some don’t.

thAthA: MAnvi, you have lead this to another point – adhyayanam and adhyApanam – adhyayanam is learning and gaining knowledge.. adhyApanam is sharing / teaching that knowledge to someone else. Remember however, that the person who is doing adhyApanam should be open to learn from others as well. It is then that he / she remains always a learner.

MAnvi: Wealth of knowledge is what Saraswati stands for also, isn’t it, thAthA? This is one form of wealth which is what Lakshmi stands for. Knowledge and skill is also connected to what Durga stands for – To learn, teach what one learns, to be skilled in any area needs perseverence and strength and also valour.

thAthA: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are present in each of us as energy. Energy is one and you would think that it manifests as different characteristics. When you allow any emotion to block this energy is when the flow of it is disrupted, which impacts physically and mentally.

MAnvi: So if we ‘Take pleasure and pain with equanimity as though they are one and the same’, it would help in a minimised disruption of energy flow, thAthA?

thAthA: Interesting to see how you have connected Karma Yoga to energy, MAnvi. The more you learn, the more you would see connections. The more you see connections, the more you will learn. It is a beautiful cycle, MAnvi. Keep seeing the connections.

As the conversation drew to a close, MAnvi felt grateful for the opportunity to learn from her thAthA. There are times when she resonated with his energy and felt so connected with him. This was one such time. Her peck on the back of his palm, before she walked out, spoke her gratitude and much more.

  • borrowed the title of Sudha Murty’s book