Saturday, 22 July 2023

A Greedy Hunter: The Tale of the Patient Lizard

 Yesterday when I woke up I found that my floor had become a gathering place for an unusual number of flies, buzzing around lazily. But what caught my attention, even more, was a tiny lizard sitting calmly amidst the swarm of flies, praying on the them. I picked up my broomstick, intending to shoo the lizard away. It went away momentarily, seeking shelter in a crevice. However after sometime my attempts to deter it seemed to be in vain, the lizard was no more afraid of me. As the day passed, I couldn't help but observe the lizard's behavior with curiosity. It would patiently wait, analyzing the flies' movements, before pouncing on its prey. 

Did the lizard have emotions? Could it feel satisfaction from its success or disappointment when it missed a catch? While it was challenging to fathom the lizard's emotions, It seemed greedy in its pursuit of flies, almost risking its own life just to satisfy its hunger.


In conclusion, the encounter with the lizard left me with more questions than answers. Did animals truly have emotions? Perhaps the lizard's persistent actions shows resemblance to a person with insatiable greed. Or maybe, it was simply following its instincts, unaware of any underlying emotions. The mysteries of the natural world continue to unfold, reminding us that every creature, big or small, has a unique story to tell.

-Aashi Gupta

Sunday, 9 July 2023

The Beauty of a Poetry

Poetry is like a deep dive into the fathomless ocean of human emotion.   I read the poetry "An elementary school classroom in a slum" by Stephen Spender, an English poet, who tried to draw a picture of slum children sitting in the school. Though the sight of the English slum school is different from that of where I live. Yet the poem gives the equal burn to me,  equal sorrow for slum children as it gives to any Englishman. Poetries don't need a compass.

1) Universal applicability is the element that makes poetries famous around the globe. Read and enjoyed by all men and women.   

Remember Robert Frost's "The road not taken": a brilliant example of universal applicability.     

2) The second element that provides wind to the wings of poetry is a "pun"

Poems are instruments to experience human emotion. Imaginations differ but the true essence remains constant.   

3) The rhyme at the end of the line gives a  satisfying feeling like that of having a dessert delight after a meal. 

collaboration of the reader's imagination with the poet's idea is what we call a poetry 

 to sum up, all the above-mentioned elements, let's make one right here:

The poetry of life will swing 

until the last breath

it will swing high and low 

Sometimes it may glow

Sometimes it may blow 

But the only thing to know is to 
 
keep going, go. 

-Aashi Gupta

Perspectives on life

 Life can be seen and experienced in various ways, and different people may have different perspectives on its nature and purpose.

Some may perceive life as a war to be fought, a constant adventure filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome. For them, life might require resilience, determination, and the willingness to fight for what they believe in.

On the other hand, some may view life as a struggle to suffer, perceiving it as a journey filled with pain and hardship. These individuals might find solace in enduring difficulties, finding meaning in their ability to persevere and grow through adversity.

There are also those who see life as a joy to be enjoyed, focusing on finding happiness, fulfillment, and contentment in their experiences. They may prioritize pursuing pleasure, cultivating positive relationships, and embracing moments of joy and gratitude.

For some, life is a story to narrate, a unique journey full of experiences, lessons, and personal growth. They may see themselves as the authors of their own narratives, shaping their lives through their choices, actions, and the stories they tell.


Alternatively, life can be seen as a puzzle to decode, a complex and intricate mystery waiting to be unraveled. These individuals may approach life with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, seeking understanding, and attempting to find solutions to the mysteries and questions that arise.

The concept of "balance" is often regarded as an important philosophy to apply in life. It suggests finding a middle ground between extremes, neither living on the razor's edge nor retreating into a bubble of comfort. It entails navigating the challenges and uncertainties of life while maintaining equilibrium and avoiding excessive suffering or complacency.

Another philosophy that can be valuable is "patience with questions." Embracing uncertainty and being open to questioning can foster a mindset of continuous learning and growth. It acknowledges that not all questions have immediate answers, but the act of seeking and questioning can lead to personal development and the cultivation of a seeker's attitude.

Understanding that our negative deeds often stem from inner grudges or disturbances can help us develop empathy and compassion for ourselves and others. 

 Ultimately, we may find our own meaning and purpose in life, and these perspectives can evolve and change throughout their individual journeys.

One line that resonate with all philosophies is that courage is the language of life.

-Aashi Gupta

Exploring the answers within

Writing this reminded me of the Mahabharat's Yaksha prashna, a Q&A between Yudhishthir and Yaksha. Here are some of my questions and...