Photograph by .tintin.
Ailments of the body are an odd thing, not in their occurrence but rather in their affect on us and our responses to them. Terminal illnesses in particular seem to have the power to make or break us. Our willpower, our perspectives, and the importance we place on life can be sourly tested in such a state.
Some of us may suddenly see the sanctity of life and living. Each day and each moment becoming a blessing. Or we see mortality staring at us boldly here in this world and be enlightened by the immortality of the hereafter. Also, blessing each day and each moment but bidding one’s times to return Home. We may also become bitter, feel cheated out of our time. Angry at the deterioration of our vitality and strength, our life and breath.
For some the body is a shrine and when the sacred is attacked where shall the faithful go? Our beliefs must be reestablished and we must decide either to let our shrine deteriorate and go with it or move the shine within our souls, and thus become our own guiding light. For some this can be done and for others it cannot, for there is a great devastation in the body’s destruction, which often times is irreparable causing chaos of rationality and frustration with reason and faith.
Each reaction is justifiable to each person, for some see through the eyes, others through their hearts, and others still through their souls. Each is a layer of depth – seen, felt, and felt deeper still. Our depths depend not on age or experience but something else altogether, something which, quite frankly, I cannot pin point. Where one gets endurance during such trying times I do not know, but disease does not discriminate nor does it care – it attacks and we are left to salvage what we can, to choose our body, our memory, or our soul.
- Raatkiranii (K.F.S)
"The Oxford History of Islam" by John L. Esposito (Editor)
"O wave! Plunge headlong into the dark seas,
And change thyself with many a twist and turn;
Thou wast not born for tile solace of the shore;
Arise, untamed, and find a path for thyself."
- Allama Muhammad Iqbal
I believe a life force is never extinguished, even in death.
That force, or soul, will forever pass on to another level, to of which, I know not.
I just believe this to be true, so the “passing” really doesn’t overly seem frightning…..just a sense of loss as to who you leave behind….
btw, I’ve noticed in all your posts you write incredibly well.
A true gift….
You should write a book someday…hmm…..perhaps you already have?
Alan - I agree with you Alan, because I too believe that something survives of us long after our bodies have deteriorated whether this be our soul, our spirit - whatever name we put on it there is existence beyond our physical shell. However, I also believe that though some may not fear leaving this shell when the times comes others are reluctant, after all it has been our companion for some time, a companion we resided in and so it is to some effect difficult to leave. The life, the body though in comparison to the soul is material it is what we have known for as long as we have taken breath and to that degree is an important aspect of our existence.
As to my manner of writing, thank you, Alan. That’s a real nice compliment. I do love to write and am an avid reader and though I have many ideas running through my mind they haven’t matured to the point of completion. But I promise if and when I write a book you’ll be one of the first to know.
Raatkiranii,
I admire your deep reflections.
“For some the body is a shrine and when the sacred is attacked where shall the faithful go? Our beliefs must be reestablished and we must decide either to let our shrine deteriorate and go with it or move the shine within our souls”
You’ve expressed this in such a way that makes one sit up because its an inevitable choice that we must make.
Haamidah - Thank you for your kind words. Reflections though at times unnerving are essential to our understanding of ourselves, those around us, the world and it’s many aspects. I’m glad you enjoyed this particular musing.
hi dear Night Queen :),
The thoughts,or shall i say the frightening thoughts that one encounters when the eyes of Death stares directly at your face are the times when an array of emotions go through you,unfortunately i have been witness to all the turmoil you have described in your post.
We as a society hail success,strength and vigor but that doesn’t mean that we should condemn failures,disregard the weak but that is what happens everyday every moment in daily lives.All this makes you insecure,timid and fearful .Yet one knows one has to overcome this just to be a part of this society that tries to disregard you,but in this alleys of darkness we see the light of our soul and that light shows us the way the way to strength ,the way to conviction. But the wreckage of this voyage is too burdening to carry sometimes,the label of timidness ,the tag of failure looms over you forever.Still amidst this calamity we find the Truth speaking to us,Truth with no clothes,no veil and no pretensions. Most of the people live and pass away ,but people who pass through this dark alley come to know the purpose of Life .When i look back in hindsight i have found that amidst all this chaos that Life impended on me ,i found many wonderful things that i am really proud of lying beneath me that i wouldn’t have known if everything was fine.
Hmm thats too much on me, i think.
Raat raniji your style of writing is amazingly beautiful and still i fear its an understatement.Just imagining ,if such serene. calm words can flow through your hands ,how much tranquil your soul would be.
.bye.
Deepen thakkar - I thank you for your kind words and thoughts. I’m glad that my own words and feelings were able to provoke such thoughts and emotions in you as presented here, for truly the power of words lies in it’s provocations.
As for my soul, indeed i cannot claim to know it as intimately as it knows itself, but as it is my close friend i will say that the words which flow from my hand flow first from my soul.