The Libido in the Library

Have you ever been in a library or near a book shelf and been overwhelmed by the psychic energy that fills the room? Just running your hands over the floor-to-ceiling shelves is an amazing experience, if it is accompanied by the thought that so many people in the history of mankind have cared enough about something so as to dedicate a significant portion of their existence to it.

What drives them to immerse themselves in their writing for months, often cutting themselves off from friends and family? What is it that welled up in them, to an extent that it wasn't enough to just think the thought and feel the feeling and be content?

Eros I say.

Beauty. Passion. Love.

Life.

The irony of life and love

Main ho gaya ghubar-e-rahe dost aye zaheen
Phir bhi kisi ke khatir nazuk pe bhaar tha

- Hazrat Zaheen Shah Taaji

Translation *

I became the dust in the path that leads to my friend O Zaheen
Yet I remain a burden on someone's delicate being


* By Muzaffar Ali

Principles maketh the man

Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung were two great minds of the world (of psychology). They agreed on a few things, but disagreed on other significant matters. Because of the latter, they weren't very close friends.

Now Freud had shared a few of his own dreams and experiences with Jung, when they were on cordial enough terms to discuss this and that over cigars.

After the former's death, a reporter interviewing Jung did what reporters are paid to do- he made an attempt to make his story sizzle with a little inside information.

So, salivating at the mouth, he asked Jung, "Can you tell us one of Freud's dreams?"

Jung promptly replied that that information had been shared in confidence, and he would not compromise on that.

Surprisingly, the reporter actually asked him why not, since Freud was no longer around.

Jung, without batting an eyelid, replied-

"Because regards last longer than life."

I was already in love with Freud. These five words made me fall in love with C.G. Jung.

It speaks volumes about a person's character when they can respect their adversary. Like those fighters who bow to each other respectfully before or after a fight. Or when a bowler applauds a good shot off his delivery.

Or the warrior who doesn't attack when the opponent's back is turned, and instead waits for him to finish lifting his chariot out of the mud, so that he may fight with his head held high again.

There are battles that are fought with honour.

P.S. For those who don't know, the one in colour is Jung.

P.P.S. Don't they look like brothers? But while Jung is endearing in a charming, boyish sort of way, Freud looks like a strapping old fellow who seems to know what he is worth!

P.P.P.S. Ah! What wouldn't I give to spend an evening with them! Together or separately, as per their convenience and wishes! We would sit in plush couches and discuss great things over wine, coffee and cigars, throw our heads back and laugh at various things, "hmmm hmmm" at each other a lot, and generally be friendly.

Instead, I will just be content with the thought that in reading their work and deriving real pleasure out of it, I come as close as I can possibly get to them.

"Why Buddha has long ears"- In the words of a little boy

Recently, I happened to be around a little boy of about seven and his dad (?) as they were looking at some idols of Buddha. They sounded English but I cant be too sure. Anyway, the kid tugged at his father's shirt sleeve and said

"Dad, you know why he has long ears?"


That was the point at which I started to eavesdrop intently.

The following conversation ensued.

Dad: "Why is that son?"

Kid: "He used to be a prince before he became Lord Buddha. At that time, because he was rich he would wear really long earrings which were heavy and caused his ears to become long. Then when he left all the money and stuff, his ears still remained long. The long empty ears are a to remind us of what he gave up"

I couldn't help but smile, and raised my eyebrows appreciatively at them. The adult started laughing as the kid hid behind him. I happened to be wearing long silver earrings that day, so he pointed to my ears and asked, "Trying to do the same thing?"

So I just grinned, shrugged and said, "Well, not really. But who knows! Give me a few more years and perhaps I'll get there!"