Scattered Leaves

“Death is not the end. It’s only another path; one that we all must take.” The famous words of Gandalf in the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King remind us of a message very appropriate to the Easter holiday. All things in nature are cyclical. Plants and trees wither and die at the onset of winter, but are born again during the spring. This cyclical pattern has been present both in the physical environment and our human psyche since time immemorial. But why does this matter to us? One reason is because it affirms the impermanence, yet continuity, of all things. How can it be that things are temporary yet permanent at the same time? This seeming contradiction makes more sense if we look deeper into things. Although the leaves fall from a tree, new leaves grow and replace it. The self-reflective Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius compared human life to leaves on a tree. Our lives are like leaves- they bloom and are then scattered off into the wind. Is this a depressing or encouraging thing? I guess that all depends on your perspective.

“Woe is me- my life is nothing more than just a withered leaf upon the breeze!” This is one perspective.

“I’m glad to have the chance to blossom and enjoy a ride upon the wind while it lasts!” This is another.

Things come and go in life- including problems. I find this to be an encouraging thought. Many religious people associate the Easter holiday with the death and resurrection of Christ. This has significance because it shows that the body might die, but the soul lives on. All we do in our life has a lasting effect whether we realize it or not. If we do good deeds and promote harmony, we emanate good feelings and energy that lives on after us. Christ spread a message of love and fellowship- these things make life worthwhile and our “ride upon the wind” much easier.

The ancient peoples believed that Mother Earth restores herself after a period of gestation. This is where the imagery of rabbits and chicks comes from- beings in nature reproducing. Rabbits multiply in great numbers, and the hatching chick is symbolic of the earth coming out of the death of winter. In fact, the phrase “Easter” comes from the name of a European Mother Earth divinity. In Hindu beliefs, God incarnates multiple times in various ages to restore harmony to the world. One of the most well-known and beloved of these incarnations is Lord Rama- who later reappeared on the Earth many years later as Lord Krishna. Krishna brought about joy wherever he went. When the warrior prince Arjuna was in his moment of greatest doubt and despair, Krishna was there to calm his nerves and uplift his spirits in a way no other could.

This Easter, let’s remember all of these things- Life is temporary, but has a significant impact on Eternity. Let’s remember and celebrate Love, Joy, and Regeneration.

Have a Happy Easter everyone!