Introduction



It was told to me by my elders that in the days of old, there was one warrior unlike any other. When he plunged into battle, twin swords in hand, he defied all the restrictions of shape. He moved like wind, and power radiated from his every step. As he set the field ablaze, his elaborate garments would blend into a colourless swirl. Then, his form temporarily melted into nothingness.

Eyeing him from the battlements, his comrades would exclaim with joy at his invincibility. "Beheroopia!" they cried, for that is what their master had wisely named him.

Beheroopia, in times now past, meant one without set form.

Beheroopia is the spirit of India; and India takes a million forms, each a story of infinite elegance and grace. Every work of graffiti etched into crumbling walls is a window; and every folk song is a voice, calling for ears.

Since booming industrialization and standardization have overtaken modern India, however, neglect and indifference has rapidly driven that spirit of 'beheroopia' into the realm of the forgotten. It's painful to watch this exploitation our peerless past for a uniform future, as if one cannot exist with the other.

I am a historian and story teller in training, and this is only a celebration of that great pursuit of beauty. I share what the universe sees fit to have me stumble against; art, music, literature or a story worthy to re-tell.

Now, as was done by the bards in ancient times, I apologize to any who my words might offend.

(Special thanks to Indian Miniature Paintings for the Image)



Saturday, May 3, 2014

Profound Video



"Some are monks, others ascetics. Some are yogis and other celibates. Some are Hindus and some are Muslims: some are Shia and others are Sunni; but recognize the human race as one. Karta and Karim are one: one provider, one merciful giver. Recognize any distinction in the names as falsehood and error. One is the object of all service, and one is the enlightener of all. All contain that one beauty; recognize in all the one same light. One are the temple and mosque, one are the Pooja and Namaz. One is all humanity, and our distinctions are illusions."

-Guru Gobind Singh, Dasam Granth Ang 47 (translation ours)







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