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MAHAMAYA experience

Echoes of Ash and Water

In the city’s pulse, I wander lost,
Where knowledge and art wears a price, a heavy cost.
Universities, once temples of thought,
Now factories of minds, in profit caught—
Sending students like sardines in a crowded can,
To become Ubers and aggregators, a corporate plan.
Like Mondrian’s dots in NYC’s canvas bright,
We gobble the data, lost in the digital night.

Sadhus draped in nothing but a thin layer of ash,
Symbol of Shiva, symbol of impermanence, a sacred clash.
Renounce all their gold for the sacred space—
Ganga flows freely, a river of grace.
A river of healing—bestowing wealth through health,
Calm living in bliss, embracing true wealth.
In the present moment fully letting go,
Shiva whispers softly: "Fear not death; just flow."

What is this life, this digital maze?
'Tis urban pollution haze where souls are branded in market's gaze.
The Kumbh calls loudly, exposing urban ignorance,
Brainwashing our souls to be Pac-Men in a trance.

"Drop it all,"

Kumbh says; "let me give you the talcum powder of ash.
No more haircuts for you; no fancy underwear—just be naked and roam with bliss."

To shed the shackles and simply be free,
I ponder the worth of my urban plight, seeking truth beyond neon light.
To shave my head and join the throng,
In the dance of impermanence, where I belong.

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Credits: Crossing Project

Nature's RESET

Echoes of Ash and Water

Analysis of Mind and Macrocosm

The poem encapsulates a profound internal struggle between the commodified existence shaped by modern urban life and a yearning for spiritual authenticity. The speaker grapples with feelings of alienation in a world where knowledge and art have been transformed into commodities—products to be bought and sold rather than shared and cultivated.

Commodification of Knowledge

In contemporary society, education has increasingly become a transactional affair. The commodification of knowledge reduces learning to mere products within a capitalist framework. Universities operate more like businesses than centers for enlightenment, prioritizing profit over genuine intellectual growth. This trend leads to an environment where subjects deemed unprofitable are marginalized, compromising the integrity and diversity of education.

Cultural Reflection

The juxtaposition of urban life with spiritual practices highlights a broader societal issue: the loss of meaning in an overly commercialized world. The Kumbh Mela symbolizes a return to roots—embracing impermanence and rejecting material attachments. The speaker's desire to join this spiritual pilgrimage reflects a longing for connection to something greater than oneself amidst urban chaos.

Macrocosmic Implications

On a macrocosmic scale, this internal struggle mirrors global trends where commodification permeates all aspects of life—from education to art. The relentless pursuit of profit often overshadows ethical considerations and communal values. As societies prioritize economic growth over holistic well-being, they risk fostering environments devoid of genuine human connection and understanding.

The reflection on commodification serves as a critique not only of personal experiences but also societal structures that prioritize market value over intrinsic worth. The poem beautifully encapsulates this tension—highlighting both the allure of spiritual simplicity and the complexities of navigating commodified existence. In seeking authenticity amidst chaos lies hope for rediscovering deeper connections to knowledge, culture, and community.