ZEN CORNERS

I think there must be these little corners in your home that are serene, beautiful and colourful enough to inspire a sense of calm solitude. Where you can maybe relax with a book and  your cup of coffee. Or just feel refreshed and happy because these little spaces are just that – Colourful, creative, fragrant and totally refreshing and happy.

Over time, I’ve sensed this change in my own moods which I realise, has made it’s way into the decor I choose for my home. I have thrown away all the garish and loud stuff and have settled for subtle and simple stuff. More greenery, more earth, more water, more BUDDHA!

Somehow, over the past couple of years I’ve developed this huge inclination towards a Zen way of life. Neither I nor my husband have ever been religious people. And by that I mean we do not believe in idol worship or religious rituals of any kind.
I do not have anything against any such practice(except of course the sickening animal sacrifices!) or anyone who practice classical religious rituals. To each his own.
Just that I do not feel inclined to follow blindly a tradition that is prevelant in the society if it doesn’t help me in any way.

I am sure prayers and rituals – going to a temple, church or mosque, fasting, mass prayers, chanting - are designed to inspire peace and happiness. If they don’t their entire purpose is lost. I cannot blindly go to a temple ( I am a Hindu BECAUSE I was born in a household that follows the dictum of the Hindu scriptures) and pray/fast/donate/chant . I am more at peace with myself when I’ve used the same time, money, effort on getting that poor little thirsty stray a drink. God never wants a donation nor elaborate and expensive dresses and jewelry. I find God in the wag of tail or the smile of that poor street urchin whose face light up at being offered a pitiful little packet of biscuit.

That is where my connection with Zen philosophy comes in.

I like what it says so simply. That living your life to the fullest is the strongest form of meditation and prayer. It doesn’t ask you to renounce life or it’s material aspects. It just asks you to appreciate the paperback edition of the latest best seller you are reading instead of craving for the very expensive and fancy hardcover edition. Prayer is when you find peace doing whatever.

It is as simple as that.

Where does that lovely little corner in my home fit into all these?
Well, this….

 

 

 

 

One little corner in our living room which radiates enough positive energy to start my day on a happy note. Our music system is on the same bookshelf on which this beautiful  Buddha figurine rests. Ginger, Buddy and Shadow love to lounge around here because this part of the room leads to the large balcony with my little potted garden. May be they like the greenery or may be the breeze blowing in through the door. Or maybe the soft music nearby…
One of our Zen Corners…..


‘What is the path?',  the Zen Master Nan-sen was asked. 'Everyday life is the path, he answered.’

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