Immersed as I am in the life and times of Narsinh Mehta these days, I do see things from his poetic prism. One of his most brilliant philosophical and poetic constructs is in the line in Gujarati “Bhram latka karey bhram pasey.” It broadly means that the spectacles of the universe are the way the universe preens before itself, it is for its own edification and enchantment, consumption. It is a cosmic display meant for itself.
Far be it for me to second-guess the poet but as one myself I think what Mehta might also be saying is that everything, including you and I, are part of this epic cosmic tease (Latka).
I was taking a stroll in front of my house and thinking of this line yesterday as the dusk fell and gifted me with this near perfect scene, a tease as it were. The shimmering golden-yellow light of a dusk sun made the flora looked enchanting without being overpowering. The moment lasted a few moments after I took the picture with my mobile phone. As it is, one is forever mindful of the epic cosmic tease but even within that mindfulness moments come when one just stops in one’s tracks.
Since I am on the subject, the website for the Narsinh Mehta documentary has begun to take shape and its first version is available here. I am in the process of strengthening the content. What there is on it now is just the beginning. Have a look.