New Age, Alternative,
Metaphysical Publication
Aquarius-Atlanta.com

Life Beautifully Lived

By Sambhavi Saraswat

A friend of mine died. She was 80 years old. I met her for the last time a day before she left this world. She embraced me warmly, ignoring the tubes and wires attached to her body.

“See, Sambhavi, what this body has become,” she said.

There was no bitterness or resignation in her voice; she was simply stating a fact. Her body was a vehicle that had become un-functional. She was ready to leave.

Shakti Mati Devi lived a full life. She was the mother of eight children, over twenty grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. A formidable matriarch, she was one of the humblest people I have met. If she saw a spiritually inclined person - a devotee - she would call him or her “Prabhu,” a master. She was such a dear soul. We would call her “Mataji,” Mother. I don't think there is a word more glorious than that. It describes her beautifully, for she was very affectionate to everyone, yet capable of giving sound advice and guidance.

Shakti Mati followed her dharma, her duty, very diligently. But she was not blind. The art of spiritual life lies in knowing how to apply rules according to the time and circumstances. Following codes of conduct simply for the sake of tradition is doomed to fail. Doing something without love is like casting aside the sunflower seed and chewing on the shell instead. Or like licking the outside of a jar of honey in hopes of getting a taste of something sweet. Waste of time. My friend never chewed on shells or failed to open the honey jar.