Today, Mauritius is in mourning. Six young men have lost their lives, leaving grieving families behind. As we speak, one is hanging on to dear life. Other pilgrims heading to Ganga Talao, in the context of the Maha Shivaratree 2024 pilgrimage, have been injured and will slowly have to try to piece back their lives. Dreams have been violently shattered. The trauma is here to stay.
An unspeakable tragedy has shaken us. Was that preventable? Could we have done more? Should laws have been enacted instead of providing guidelines through communiques? Should some religious guides/leaders have been more discerning? These questions will inevitably have to be addressed, fast. We cannot merely sweep our collective failure under the carpet. We cannot afford more casualties. We need prompt and bold decisions.
Right now, irrespective of our beliefs or opinions, we need to empathise with the bereaved families. They need our support and prayers more than anything else. Grief is a heavy burden to bear alone. Voyeurism, criticism and insensitivity will not erase our distress. Rather, let us go back to the roots to begin the healing process together. Let us draw inspiration from Shiva consciousness, to achieve inner peace. The soul does not die. It is on a perpetual journey, till it attains moksha. These young devotees might have left the physical abode but their souls will be on their ongoing journey of liberation. Eventually, this is the path that takes us to Lord Shiva.
Let us remember the basic teachings from the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra below. Life is but a journey, the body is ephemeral and as we worship Lord Shiva (the Three-Eyed One), we can finally be liberated from the mortal shackles of death. Om Namah Shivaya.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Om Try-Ambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam
Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan
Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-[A]mrtaat ||
Meaning:
1: Om, We Worship the Tryambaka (the Three-Eyed One),
2: Who is Fragrant (as the Spiritual Essence), Increasing the Nourishment (of our Spiritual Core);
3: From these many Bondages (of Samsara) similar to Cucumbers (tied to their Creepers),
4: May I be Liberated from Death (Attachment to Perishable Things), So that I am not separated from the perception of Immortality (Immortal Essence pervading everywhere).
(from Rig Veda 7.59.12)