Reena Gupta (Naree-नारी)

The literal meaning of any person’s introduction is - 'to know someone by direct meeting'. The common perception of defining one's identity is through name, gender and societal roles that largely fall short of truly getting to know anyone. So, the bigger question is, do we ever actually know anyone and not only that, do we ever know ourselves truthfully?
At this juncture instead of focusing on myself, I would just like to talk about how this book came about. This one was born out of the churning of whirlpool of thoughts in intense circumstances. This is an innocent attempt to put into words these outpourings onto these pages with the same veracity as it deserves. About forty years ago, an incident occurred which changed the course of my life and left behind an indelible mark. The wounds of the body healed but the wounds of the mind continued to fester. So, writing was the only way i could express my anguish. Because - only a synthesis of pen, paper and thoughts were needed to craft the art. Time passed, more creations came into being, but the series of unfortunate incidents that followed did not stop even if I tried the hardest. At that time, I almost felt as if the thread of my life was slipping out of my hands. In the aftermath of the storm and knowing the consequences, yet braving out of it became a failed attempt. Many times I would wonder what exactly did I do, that how could this happen. Eventually I accepted, that these were nothing but series of my own making that stems from a position of weaknesses, ill-advice, social conditioning and upbringings mixed with personal desires and opinions. And this is exactly how most of us land ourselves into the making of an ill-fated destiny. Then whose fault should I say it was, hmm...?
I was forever overwhelmed and looking for answers frantically and none were available, howsoever. So, taking the story forward, I would like to say that the trend continued for another twenty or so years. Still, I kept writing but relief seemed to have evaded me at all points. This course of life ended up wrapping around another innocent life and causing much grief to both. That one is still trying to grapple his way out of all this in the most valiant manner. The hard work of this little soul has now made him a capable doctor. The best gift so far. Yet, my search continued to find the answers. But I had no clue how and when this dark night will finally turn into a shining dawn. I called out to God but He was nowhere to be found. Intense devotion led me to nowhere. Eventually, the courage to overcome this long-suffering pain came through Him but not how I had perceived Him to be. I finally found peace, strength and joy and my aim and objective in life as well. Also, answers to all those questions that I had been searching for almost like eternity. Though, the answers are very difficult to digest, but we all know that truth is always bitter. These are known as the Laws of Karma. Nothing in this world happens without the Laws of Karma into play and yet almost every person is ill-informed or misinformed and continues to have blind faiths. Since this world runs on these laws, it is absolutely necessary that we all get to know how they work. This world is nothing but a worldly theater and we all are merely actors playing our respective roles in this drama. Whatever we have as possessions or any relationships in our lives are nothing but props to act out our roles successfully. No one knows the bigger picture and too much devotion and the concept of omnipresence have blinded everyone to the extent that they think that there is nothing further. The last curtain is about to fall on this “World Drama”. Are you ready to make your fortune? So while reading these poems, do remember these words of mine and never say goodbye.
Have a beautiful journey ahead!
Om Shanti

Published Book

1. निःशब्द