Akka Mahadevi's profound statement, "What is rebirth? The forgetting of the Lord. What is liberation? The remembering," invites us to explore the intricate relationship between our spiritual journey and the nature of our consciousness. In this succinct yet powerful phrase, she encapsulates the essence of human experience, suggesting that our cycles of existence are deeply intertwined with our awareness of the divine. This teaching resonates with seekers who grapple with the complexities of life, urging them to reflect on the importance of remembrance in the pursuit of liberation.
To understand the weight of Akka Mahadevi's words, we must delve into the duality of forgetting and remembering. Forgetting the Lord, as she articulates, symbolizes the distractions and attachments that lead us away from our true essence. In contrast, remembering signifies a return to our innate connection with the divine, a state of being that transcends the mundane. This dichotomy not only highlights the challenges of spiritual practice but also illuminates the path toward liberation, making her insights particularly relevant in our contemporary lives.
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in Akka Mahadevi's quote evokes a sense of movement between two states of being: forgetting and remembering. The verb "forgetting" carries a weight of loss, suggesting a disconnection from the divine source that nurtures our existence. In contrast, "remembering" is imbued with a sense of awakening, a return to a state of grace that fosters liberation. This interplay between the two actions paints a vivid picture of the spiritual journey, where the seeker oscillates between the distractions of the world and the profound peace found in divine remembrance.
In the speaker's tradition
Akka Mahadevi's teachings are rooted in the Lingayat tradition, which emphasizes personal experience of the divine through devotion and direct connection. Central to this tradition is the concept of bhakti, or devotion, which encourages individuals to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the Lord. This relationship is often characterized by a process of kenosis, or self-emptying, where the seeker relinquishes their ego and attachments to experience the fullness of divine love. In this context, forgetting the Lord can be seen as a failure to engage in this transformative process, while remembering is the ultimate expression of bhakti.
In the Vachanas, the sacred texts of the Lingayat tradition, we find numerous references that echo Akka Mahadevi's insights. For instance, the poet-saint Basavanna speaks of the importance of surrendering the self to the divine, emphasizing that true liberation comes from recognizing the presence of the Lord in all aspects of life. This interconnectedness between forgetting and remembering is a recurring theme in the Vachanas, illustrating the profound wisdom embedded in Akka Mahadevi's succinct statement.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where an individual is caught in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities—work, family, social obligations—often leading to a sense of disconnection from their spiritual self. In such moments, the act of forgetting the Lord manifests as a pervasive sense of stress and anxiety, overshadowing the deeper truths of existence. By consciously choosing to remember, perhaps through a simple practice of mindfulness or prayer, one can begin to reconnect with the divine presence, transforming their experience from one of chaos to one of peace and clarity.
In relationships, the teaching of forgetting and remembering can also play a significant role. Imagine a situation where misunderstandings arise between partners, leading to feelings of resentment and distance. In this context, forgetting the essence of love and compassion can create barriers that hinder connection. However, by choosing to remember the foundational love that brought them together, both individuals can engage in a process of reconciliation, fostering understanding and healing. This practice of remembrance not only deepens their bond but also serves as a reminder of the divine love that underpins all relationships.
A reflection
As we contemplate Akka Mahadevi's poignant words, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: In what ways do we forget the divine presence in our daily existence? What practices can we cultivate to foster a deeper remembrance of the Lord? This inquiry encourages us to explore the spaces where we may feel disconnected and to seek the pathways that lead us back to liberation through conscious remembrance.
