The Quest of a Believer. Once there was an island and people lived on it quite happy in their believes. Then came a boat full of people which happened to be passing by. Now, they see the island people waving at them and assume that they are looking to be rescued. Whereas, all the islanders were doing was wave at them with joy. So the boat people jump off shore, look at all the strange rituals and decide to 'educate' these poor souls. In doing so, they undo all that is of value, qualifies as uniqueness and gives one roots. Now the island people no longer want to be on the island. The boat people, however, weary of their travels and still not happy, settle on the island. A true interaction happens then. And the boat people are humbled and realise their search. Now they try and rescue back the island-boat people causing much angst, debate and faithlessness and a deep feeling of loss- of time, energy and peace.

And that more or less sums up the relation that the world and Indians have when it comes to valuing the age old beliefs of our country specially when it comes to the inner quest. We love it when the world endorses Yoga, loves the sitar and finds haldi a great antiseptic. Why is it more palatable when it is wrapped in candy coloured wrappers? As if the over hydrogenated West has to give us a nod for us to start believing in that which has always been ageless. Imagine that- An Endless Shelf Life.

It is this 'thing' , this 'gyan' that I seek. And my first step - take it as a detox regime- is to simplify- thought, action, reaction and its meditation.