Sunday, November 13, 2005

Nothing

People underestimate "nothing". Everyone is doing "something". Actually, the world is going crazy trying to do something. When I say "something", it has a very conventional meaning: a job, an occupation, a vocation. It's very important I am told. Perhaps it is; but if you already have a roof over your head, some money, do you still need to do something? Every single day, or most days of the week, do you still need to be out 9 to 5? Perhaps if you're passionate about something you would like to, or if you needed the money, but why else? I am reminded of a couplet of Ghalib

"Hazron khwahishein aisi ki har khwahish pe dum nikle
Bahot nikle mere armaan lekin phir bhi kam nikle"

All these desires that well up in the mind. They trouble us. They force us to always do "something".

I have decided for the moment to celebrate the art of doing nothing. The world does not appreciate this art. It is against human nature some would say. I beg to disagree. It's one of the most beautiful arts that delves deep into recesses of the human mind. I, the person, am nothing. I will go into nothingness. Why should I fear it then?

But I know that I will have to do "something" soon. Until then, let me be proud of doing nothing, despite all the disapproving and condescending glances of the world.

Perhaps I am right in thinking so. Or perhaps it is all just a euphamism for laziness?

9 Comments:

Blogger maverick said...

Inertia, is inherent in nature not only humans :) ... ask me , I love doing nothing, i am a veteran of sorts...

1:09 am  
Blogger maverick said...

But why is ur blog named, "Pathos of a Sarangi"?

1:10 am  
Blogger Rustling_Leaves said...

Hey Rambler, thanks for commenting.

Sarangi. One of the most beautiful instruments in the world. Somehow for me, no matter how it is played, there always is this deep sense of sorrow. The pathos just touches me to the very core. Being melancholic myself, I can relate to it at various levels. There are times when I am totally engulfed by the sadness of the human condition. There is a certain spirituality in pathos too.

I can be the pathos of the Sarangi here at times. What I write can. What I don't write can. What I observe can. what I feel can. What you or anyone else for that matter feels, thinks, or does, can too. So, the pathos of the sarangi is individual(maybe for the most part) and yet universal in a sense.

Well, I almost sound like i have manic depression!! :)

12:44 pm  
Blogger maverick said...

I guess u take the sarangi as a manifestation of the melancholy within .... i liek the saarangi too, in the songs of yesteryears, umrao jaan et al .... probablu u should try the santoor too, it's soft, breezy and light .... i like ur name "rustling_leaves" and ut blog name too ....

6:38 pm  
Blogger maverick said...

and yes ... plz allow me to place a link to ur blog ....

6:42 pm  
Blogger maverick said...

on my blog page...

6:43 pm  
Blogger maverick said...

and u don't sound like u have a manic depression ... it perfectly makes sense to me ...

6:47 pm  
Blogger Rustling_Leaves said...

Rambler, you're more than welcome to place a link to my blog. Is there anything that I have to do from my side for that? I would imagine not. Actually, I wouldn't know as I'm new to this place.

I take the sarangi as a manifestation not only of the melancholy within but without as well. Yes, the santoor is a very beautiful instrument too, but it conveys a more soothing, pitter-patter-raindrops kind of sound. It's very calming.

1:43 am  
Blogger silbil said...

do read I MOVED YOUR CHEESE...not the asinine WHO MOVED MY CHEESE but the former...you will enjoy it my love

4:22 pm  

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