Why do we get stuck with certain words for a long time, unable to forget it or move forward? The word 'sorry' is that kind of a word. It is a remedial measure for a world that is captured by violence and anger. It is equally important that one should hear it and use it again and again to heal the wounds humanity carries.
To those enquired about his identity, this prophet in the desert says, he is just a voice in the desert. That desert is a space where very few travel. A road less travelled. Therefore, he had to stay alert and watchful all the time, denying himself some sleep and rest. He had to speak without a break about the One who would cross that desert and travel by at any time of the day or night.
From all kinds of spaces and directions people need to speak about beautiful words like "forgiveness" all the time and that is the need of the hour.
The scriptures propose about His laws and decrees, “Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” The wrists or hands are where one is accustomed to looking at constant intervals. The foreheads are easily visible to people who come across to you and the door frames and gates are easily visible to visitors. In short, one should help oneself and others to be in constant awareness. That memory and awareness will help in crossing the terrains of evil forces. Nietzsche would speak about certain allegations that should be engraved on the walls that even the blind could read them.
In these days of locking oneself in I recall the days of travelling with much love in my heart. Visiting temples and spending quiet moments, especially in Jain temples, sitting within those cold interiors, is something that touched me deeply. The Jain temples are particularly created with white Makrana Rajasthan marbles. There are no dark colors at all. It is quite a daunting task to keep these white structures clean and unstained. I was happy to note that this choice of colour was on purpose, it seems, as I read recently in an article. It is to represent our soul that needs constant attention, to keep it clean and orderly. Temples are incomplete structures like human lives, as the article says in its title - A Jain temple is a process.
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