April 7
Lady, goddess, your light covers
the world like that of the round moon,
Pattini, we offer these dances to you.
Be patient with us if our steps go astray,
for you are more skillful than we are.
Mighty Pattini, be joyous as you receive
all that we offer you, you who were born
from the womb of the lotus flower,
you who bloom as beautifully
as the blue lotus itself, O noble lady,
O blooming goddess, accept our humble offerings.
-Sri Lankan hymns to the goddess
Rituals to the goddess were not always elaborate affairs. Bowing in the direction of the rising sun, thanking the earth for the food she provides, drinking pure water prayerfully—these are as much rituals as the most extensive festival. How often, today, we forget to be aware as we eat, as we drink, as we walk upon her broad body! The buds of spring are opening around us as we rush to and through our endless chores. Her energy is in those buds, as well as powering our own movement through this world.
Unconsciousness of the earth impoverishes us. When we are nourished by the beauty of a hyacinth, when we take time to be moved by its heady fragrance, our need to consume earth’s resources diminishes. No new handbag can take the place of a sunset; no credit-card binge can offset the beauty of a missed day of sunshine. Drink in the beauty the goddess provides. Your life will be richer. You will be richer.
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