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We’ve all been there. Stuck in traffic jams, sandwiched between an auto-rickshaw playing some retro Bollywood hit at full blast and a luxury SUV honking like it’s in some kind of vehicular Sufi trance. But, unlike most people who might see this as an inconvenience, I see it as a path to enlightenment.
There’s something deeply meditative about the constant honking in Indian traffic. Each honk is like a mantra, a repeated chant that reminds me to stay present. Whether it’s the long, drawn-out honk of an impatient truck driver or the sharp, staccato beep of a scooter, it all blends into a symphony that demands mindfulness.
Every honk is a test of patience and composure, teaching me to find inner peace amidst the chaos.
I’m convinced that auto-rickshaw drivers are modern-day philosophers. Have you ever read the profound, and sometimes bewildering, wisdom written on the back of an auto? Gems like “Buri Nazar Wale Tera Muh Kala” (Evil eye, may your face turn black) or “Horn OK Please” are like sutras of our time.
I take these messages as koans, puzzling over their deeper meanings while I wait for the traffic to inch forward.
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If the honking is a mantra, then the music blaring from nearby vehicles is like a kirtan session. I’ve had my most spiritually transformative experiences on the soundtrack of Himesh Reshammiya’s greatest hits. There’s something about his nasal voice that stirs the soul, leading me to a higher state of consciousness. The cacophony of different songs blending is like a reminder of the diverse paths to enlightenment.
Traffic jams teach you the art of patience. They’re like the spiritual retreats you didn’t sign up for but desperately needed. While waiting for the jam to clear, I’ve found time to reflect on life’s deeper questions – Why are we here? What is the purpose of existence? Will I ever reach my destination? The uncertainty of when you’ll finally move again is like the unpredictability of life itself.
There’s no better place for people-watching than in a traffic jam. Each vehicle is a little world unto itself, and peering into these worlds is like a mindfulness practice. The couple arguing in the car next to you, the biker picking his nose at the red light, the kid trying to make faces at you from the back of a van –it’s a gentle reminder of our common humanity. It’s like the universe saying, “Hey, we’re all in the same boat!”.
Finally, when the traffic starts moving again, it’s like breaking free from the cycle of rebirth. The relief and joy are unparalleled. It’s a reminder that all struggles are temporary, and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel (even if it’s just the next traffic light).
So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, don’t just grumble and groan. Embrace it as a spiritual experience. Breathe in the fumes of enlightenment, listen to the honks of wisdom, and let the chaos lead you to inner peace. Because in India, even a traffic jam can be a path to nirvana.
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: Bloggers’ own opinion
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Indian Traffic, Spiritual Journey, Traffic Jam Humour, Everyday, India, Funny, Life In India, Traffic Jams, AutoRickshaw Wisdom, Daily Commute, Urban Life, Mindfulness, Indian Culture, Himesh Reshammiya, nirvana, moksha, enlightenment
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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