The Philosophical Irony of a Shaky Selfie: Finding Vismaya in the Unexpected

In Sanskrit, Vismaya stands for amazement, wonder, and perplexity

The joy of capturing a moment! But what happens when that moment is a little too shaky? — Image by Author.

Ah, the joy of capturing a moment! But what happens when that moment is a little too shaky? You know, like when you’re trying to take a selfie on a bumpy bus ride or while juggling a cup of coffee and a phone? The result is a blurry, confusing image that leaves you scratching your head. But don’t dismiss it just yet! In the mystical world of Vedanta philosophy, this could be your golden ticket to experiencing Vismaya.

In Sanskrit, Vismaya stands for amazement, wonder, and perplexity.

Record Collection

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Picture little me, a curious child with a voracious appetite for knowledge. One day, I stumbled upon my dad’s record collection, filled with the soothing melodies of classical music. As I carefully placed the needle on the vinyl, I was entranced by the harmonious symphony that filled the room. But then, something peculiar happened — the music came to an abrupt halt, leaving deafening silence in the wake.

In that brief pause, a wave of confusion washed over me. “What just happened?” I thought young mind struggling to make sense of it all. Yet despite the bewilderment, a profound sense of amazement filled my heart. I had discovered a secret hidden within silence — the beauty of anticipation and joy of resolution. Little did I know this experience would serve as a stepping stone to understanding the elusive concept of Vismaya.

Now, you might be wondering, “How on earth do broken records relate to philosophy?” Well, dear reader, let’s dive depths of Vedanta wisdom to find out!

Wonder

The ancient sages of India believed that the universe was an illusion or Maya. They taught that behind this veil of illusion lies the ultimate reality — Brahman, the eternal, unchanging essence of the cosmos. When one truly contemplates this universe as Brahman, Vismaya arises — a profound sense of wonder that transcends the mundane and reveals the magic hidden within the folds of existence.

So, how does this apply to our shaky selfie or the pause in the music?

It’s all about perspective! You see when our senses are presented with something unexpected or confusing, it forces us to question our perception of reality.

This momentary bewilderment creates a ripple in the fabric of our understanding, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the veil of Maya.

Personal anecdote

Let’s consider another personal anecdote. I once attended a theatrical performance that left me utterly spellbound. The actors were so engrossed in their roles, and the story was so captivating that I felt as if I had been transported to another world. But then, during a particularly intense scene, the lights suddenly went out, plunging the theatre into darkness.

For a few seconds, I was completely disoriented. The boundary between the stage and the audience seemed to dissolve, leaving me floating in a sea of uncertainty. But as the lights flickered back on, revealing the actors frozen in mid-action, I experienced a surge of Vismaya. The darkness had momentarily shattered the illusion of the performance, revealing the raw, unfiltered essence of the human experience.

In the same vein, a shaky selfie or a pause in the music can serve as a reminder that our perception of reality is not fixed but constantly fluctuating. It is in these fleeting moments of confusion that we can discover the true beauty of existence — a beauty that transcends the limits of our senses and reveals the infinite potential of Brahman.

So, the next time you find yourself confronted with a confusing or unexpected situation, don’t be too quick to dismiss it. Instead, embrace the sense of Vismaya that arises and allow it to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and wonder. And who knows? You just might find that the universe is a lot more amazing than you ever could have imagined!

And…so?

Now, I must admit, dear reader, that I am but a humble seeker on this path of wisdom. I do not claim to have all the answers, nor do I wish to impose my views upon you. Instead, I offer you this perspective as a gentle invitation to explore the mysteries of Vedanta philosophy and the beauty of Vismaya.

After all, in Indian scriptures you will find amazing teachings like this one:

“When a man contemplates this universe as Brahman, then vismaya arises in him.”

(Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad, 4.3.32.)

Let's embrace uncertainty, confusion, and wonder, moments truly glimpse the essence of Brahman's experience of the boundless joy of Vismaya.

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