(c) John, Rekesh 2004-2008. No part of this work may be copied or reproduced without the author's permission
16. War (Part 3)
“I gather that they are twins , though not identical twins.(1) One of them is extremely handsome and sensual, and the other is a brilliant and knowledgeable statesman who is also very proud of his knowledge.”
“How does that relate to the ring finger and the pinky?”
“The little finger is ruled by Mercury, a bisexual god. The test represented by this finger is that of sexuality, which this handsome prince is said to fail in the end. The ring finger is ruled by the Sun, which represents brilliance. It represents the test of wisdom and knowledge, which the other prince also failed because of his pride. This finger also represents the test of love, that is, the ability to distinguish love from the sexuality represented by the other finger. These are like twins for many people. Note that we wear the wedding band on this finger, a symbol of love.”
“Is that why the princes are twins?”
“Well, Mercury rules Gemini, whose sign is the twins. Now, keep all the fingers of your palm straight and then bend the little finger. You will see that the ring finger also bends! The two are coupled, or couplets, like twins!”
“Yes, they represent the lessons and tests of love,” added Aliyah, “usually through separation and heartbreaks, which must come. That’s how many of us learn to love through the heart alone, as distinct from physical infatuation. The coupling indicates that we still have some way to go in clearly distinguishing them.”
This wasn’t much to Eloise’s liking and she decided to change tracks. “Okay Mom, but don’t you think these are just some funny odd coincidences?”
“I doubt it, for there is even more!” replied Emma. “The war is also a struggle for control of the throne, in the capital city where they live. And the name of this city (2) is derived from a common word that means ‘hand’. Too many coincidences, if you ask me!”
“Alright, then. But what about the enemy in the story? Do they have symbolic meanings too?”
“Yes!” replied Emma. “Their enemies are numerous. Many of those names have meanings like, ‘difficult to conquer in battle’, ‘difficult to subdue’, ‘one with a bad countenance’, ‘ one who sees evil’ and so on.(3) Those names directly point to various natures and sentiments within us. They are not all of a bad kind, only when applied wrongly.”
“I see, so the battle is within!”
“Curious!” added Aliyah. “That’s why both sides are depicted as members of the same family. They are symbolic of natures within us, and therefore they are family!”
“The battlefields of life, eh?” Eloise laughed.
“Yes!” agreed Emma. “The story goes on to say that the princes fail in some test or other and are forced to enter hell before entering paradise. In paradise they find that their enemies, the so-called dark seeds, have been transmuted through all their trials, and are also with them! So you see, the story indicates that the trial, tribulation and transmutation of our natures is the purpose behind the battlefields of life!”
“I see. So there is something higher to be found in a story of war!” agreed Eloise. “You think such a scripture can also accelerate evil within us?”
“Most scriptures are written in such a way that you could find support for what you want to see!” replied Aliyah. “In this case, you could use it as an excuse to support war on your kin, or believe that death in battle is a ticket to heaven, or even that religion is all nonsense.”
“I see, so I have to be careful in reading them!”
“Yes,” agreed Aliyah. “But reading and following them is a good way of getting to know ourselves better, and for progressing along our chosen paths. Even the scriptures we are attracted to are a reflection of our choices.”
“How would I progress, Mom?”
“Simply watch what all rises up within you, and also in those around you who are following the scriptures. Then choose an interpretation and action based on the fruit it produces, whether it moves you towards greater unity or towards greater separation. Remember that the movement of unity is towards the Godhead, and that of separation, away from it. The scriptures will then take you along the path of your choice.”
* * *
“You seemed to have ignored her real question of why war exists in a spiritual universe,” Emma commented as soon as Eloise wandered off into the distance.
“I know. She isn’t quite the age where she can comprehend, or even needs to,” replied Aliyah, gazing thoughtfully after her daughter.
“I must say I find it difficult as well. What do you have to say about it? There is so much meaningless suffering in war.”
Footnotes:
1. The princes Nakula and Sahadeva
3. Duryodhana, Dushasana, Durmukha, Durdharsha etc.