Family Forever: A Tale of Trials & Tribulations
Something to imagine for inspiration...
The scene is set: Two birds of different kinds sit perched upon a branch split into two types. On the left branch, a branch made of Crown of Thorns sits the prideful purple finch named Krodha, a descendent of Carpodacus bloodline, poised, ready to attack and defend for little to no reason at all, and on the other branch, the branch to the right, the branch made of olive, sits the pretty Hawaiian Himatione sanguinea named Kama, a descendent of the royal and ancient Apapane bloodline who was always worrying about things she couldn't control. In the middle, and slightly off to the right, sits the bored and depressed Arizona tree frog named Avidyā, a recent descendant of the Hylidae family.
Avidyā often sits upon a Magenta Hibiscus flower in deep thought and self-reflection. The three, although from different lines, lineages and families, are still a nuclear unit, an inseparable trichotomy, a family of friends forever, despite their apparent stark and seemingly contradictory differences; this family was called Mazel Tov. Then one day a natural disaster happened within the vicinity of their home. The caldera, or mega-volcano Prārambha, finally erupted into a fiery blast of molten hot lava, ash and gaseous clouds that began to saturate the atmosphere with astonishing speed and quickness, obscuring the warm sunlight for miles upon miles, eventually covering the entire planet in a shroud of frigid cold and darkness, a time that our historians now call āvaraṇa. During this time, things for the Mazel Tov family became very difficult. They struggled to find sources of food and recreation, as their environment was starting to wither away due to the lack of light and subsequent nutrients from reaching the surface of it's impoverished surface. This only served to escalate tensions at home, thereby inadvertently adding additional anxiety and anger to their society from the emotionally charged behaviors that naturally flowed from their misaligned and maladaptive personalities.
One day, while in deep thought, Avidyā came to realize that if things continued on their current course at home, the Mazel Tov family would eventually be torn apart from the inside out, due to their own outstanding lack of self-awareness and understanding, not only for themselves individually, but for each other, and for the larger world of their society in general. That's when young Avidyā decided to take intentional positive action. Avidyā recalled of an old and decrypted Water Moccasin he had casually conversed with in days of past, about mostly mundane things, but sometimes about the mysterious and unknown, which always captivated Avidyā's attention and imagination, as he himself was a curious and sincere seeker of Truth who was desperate for new knowledge and wisdom. The old Water Moccasin's name was Archetype, who was commonly referred to as "Cotton Mouth", because people seldomly heard what he had to say for some strange reason unknown to Avidyā. Upon his recollection of Archetype, a particular conversation shared between them suddenly stood out within his awareness, as if placed there by forces beyond his own volition. The conversation was about an old legend, a tale of the rocky mountainous terrain of Corpreal, and the hidden tunnel of Maya where her beautiful yet dangerous waters navigate the labyrinth of unstable subterrain sediment known as Egoity, ultimately leading to the deep dark region where sailors and adventures of all kinds have come to disappear without a trace. It is said that the dark region within the watery labyrinth of Egoity inside the tunnel of Maya built of the sturdy terrain Corpreal, is a mysterious habitat where a supremely old and wise serpent named Onyx dwells.
Onyx was thought by many as mere myth, folklore or wives tale told to the curious seekers of the dark regions mysteries in an effort to deter them in potentially losing themselves within its unknown recesses like all others who had gone before. This warning did not thwart Avidyā's unsnuffable spirit of curiosity and herculean hunger for new knowledge and wisdom. After all, Onyx was thought to possess supernatural powers and supreme wisdom far beyond any other being of the land. It was supposed that Onyx's supreme and powerful wisdom stemmed from all the experience he had earned due to his discovery of the Secret of Immortality. Not necessarily believing all that Avidyā had heard, but yet believing there to be some truth to the legend at hand, Avidyā decided to embark on the treacherous journey of discovering what really lies hidden beyond the dark region's recesses, and if Onyx and the Secret to Immortality truly was a quest worthwhile. After all, what did Avidyā have to lose? seeing as how his entire world was coming to an end anyway, and if anything, he could use a break from all the pressures and anxieties born from such a dysfunctional nest, where most of his experiences were grounded in fear and unquestioned obedience brought on by the tough loving, corporeal punishing, overly protective and highly restrictive pair of violent, worry-filled parents, who were quite opinionated, out-spoken, and only concerned with the inner-circle of their own immediate family at the cold and disinterested exclusion of others.
As one can image, this had profound consequence on shaping the perspective of young Avidyā, along from the pressers of societal demands, bullying, rejection, and so forth, it's no wonder that Avidyā wound up early on consuming mad honey, spirits, the devils lettuce, and many other mental-emotional altering substance that he could get his tiny feverish hands on in an effort to escape the suffering brough on by his "cultural dis-ease".
And the story begins: Avidyā sets out to embark on his adventure into the uncharted, in persuit of knowledge, wisdom and peace, anything at all that could bring much needed relief to him and his family, anything at all that could keep the Mazel Tov family from fading away into the ruins of a broken society severed from light by the great āvaraṇa. While traveling toward the rocky mountains of Corporeal in search of the Mayan tunnel of egoic waters, Avidyā faces many challenges that he must over come, such as his desire for mad honey, the quarrels of other creatures brought on by his prejudiced perspectives of others, enslavement, and psychological manipulation from all the tricky Jin that sought to exploit his seemingly uncontrollable emotional nature stemming from his fundamental lack of self-awareness and autonomy, backed by a burning desire for sensual experiences of all kind. Once Avidyā reaches the rocky, mountainous terrain of Corporeal, the enchanting, pitch black tunnel of Maya opened up and swallowed him and his vessel (a hand-crafted canoe) whole. Unable to see his way back out, Avidyā is overcome by a paralyzing primordial fear, one that could only be overcome by the sheer determination of his curious and inquisitive personality, bolstered by the deep sense of filial love and well-wishers held deep within his own heart. Finally, after navigating the Egoic waters blanketed by the thick mist of Maya within the cryptic caverns of Corporeal, Avidyā came to what he perceived to be the mysterious and unknown "dark region", where he saw a large stone stele of an illuminating Sun, the same symbol Avidyā recalls observing some time ago, as it dangled, dazzled with golden light, amid the center of old Cotton Mouth's necklace.
That's when Avidyā saw it. A marvelous, bolden figure, curled and coiled in the corner of Corpreal's cave, deep within the recesses of the uncharted mayan-misted dark region, lost in the labyrinth of Egoic waters, stood Onex! the almighty mythological creature, in plain sight of Avidyā, radiating an enchanting energetic aura that commanded every element of the damp cryptic cave to dance with an enthusiastic vibration out of loving respect for the natural wisdom, peace and comfort brought about by Onyx's very peculiar, yet enigmatic presence.
And here too, Avidyā faintly noticed, dangling about the tick boulderous region of Onyx's throat, shimmered a tiny charm in resemblant form of Cotton Mouths necklace, and the sturdy stone-carved stele, just a mere meter away from Avidyā's handcrafted canoe.
This marks the end of a tantalizing tale, leaving the mystery of Avidyā journey up to the fate of his future choices, choices that are taking place right now as these very words are being read... to be continued...
GLOSSARY (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE):
CROWN OF THORNS: The Crown of Thorns carries profound symbolic meaning, particularly in Christian theology, but its significance extends beyond religious contexts into themes of suffering, redemption, and resilience.
KRODA: The Sanskrit word Krodha (क्रोध) translates to anger, wrath, or fury.
CARPODACUS: Carpodacus is a taxonomic genus within the Fringillidae family, commonly known as rosefinches. This genus includes species like the purple finch and house finch. Greek "dakos" (δάκος) – meaning biting animal or one that bites.
OLIVE BRANCH: The olive branch is a powerful symbol of peace, reconciliation, and victory, with deep roots in ancient cultures, religious traditions, and modern diplomacy.
HIMATIONE SANGINEA: Himatione refers to a genus of birds, specifically the ʻApapane (Himatione sanguinea), a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The ʻApapane is known for its bright crimson plumage and plays a vital role in pollinating native Hawaiian plants, particularly the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua tree. In Hawaiian culture, the red feathers of the ʻApapane were historically used to adorn royal capes, helmets, and feather leis, symbolizing nobility and sacred power. The bird itself represents resilience, beauty, and the interconnectedness of nature in Hawaiian traditions.
KAMA: The Sanskrit word Kāma (काम) translates to desire, longing, or pleasure and holds deep significance in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
APAPANE: The word ʻApapane comes from the Hawaiian language, referring to a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper (Himatione sanguinea), known for its striking crimson plumage and melodic song.
ARIZONA TREE FROG: The Arizona treefrog (Hyla wrightorum) may be small, but it has a fascinating personality shaped by its environment and behaviors. Personality Traits: Elusive & Nocturnal – This frog is primarily active at night, preferring to stay hidden during the day. It thrives in secrecy, blending into its surroundings. Resilient & Adaptive – It survives in high-elevation forests and wet meadows, enduring seasonal changes and relying on summer rains for breeding. Agile & Climbers – Despite its small size, it has strong climbing abilities, using its toe pads to scale trees and vegetation. Vocal & Expressive – During the breeding season, males produce distinct calls, often described as a rapid, high-pitched trill, to attract mates. Independent & Solitary – Unlike some amphibians that gather in large groups, Arizona treefrogs are more solitary, except during mating periods.
AVIDYA: The Sanskrit word Avidyā (अविद्या) translates to ignorance, misconception, or lack of true knowledge.
HYLIDAE: The Hylidae family, commonly known as tree frogs, is a diverse group of amphibians that includes arboreal, terrestrial, and semi-aquatic species. While the genus Hyla was historically the type genus of the family, taxonomic revisions have reclassified many species into different genera within Hylidae. The name Hylidae originates from the Greek word "ὕλη" (hýlē), meaning "forest" or "woodland," reflecting the arboreal nature of many species. The family includes over 700 species across multiple genera, such as Hyla, Boana, Dendropsophus, and Phyllomedusa. While Hyla was once the primary genus, many species have been reassigned to other genera based on genetic and morphological studies.
MAGENTA HIBISCUS: The Magenta Hibiscus carries rich symbolism, blending themes of passion, transformation, and spiritual awakening.
NECLEAR UNIT: A nuclear unit in terms of family refers to a nuclear family, which is a household consisting of two parents and their children, typically living together in a single residence. This structure contrasts with extended families, which include additional relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Key Characteristics of a Nuclear Family: Core Members: Traditionally includes two parents (mother and father) and their biological or adopted children. Independent Household: The family unit functions separately from extended relatives. Economic & Social Unit: Parents provide for the children’s needs, including education, emotional support, and financial stability. Modern Variations: The definition has evolved to include same-sex parents, single-parent households, and blended families.
TRICHOTOMY: Trichotomy refers to a division into three parts, categories, or elements. The term originates from the Greek word "trikha" (τρίχα), meaning "threefold," combined with the pattern of "dichotomy".
CALDERA: A caldera is a large volcanic crater that forms when a volcano's magma chamber empties during an eruption, causing the ground above to collapse. This results in a bowl-shaped depression, often several kilometers wide. Some calderas later fill with water, forming lakes, such as Crater Lake in Oregon.
PRARAMBHA: The Sanskrit word Prārambha (प्रारम्भ) means beginning, commencement, or initiation.
AVARANA: The Sanskrit word Āvaraṇa (आवरण) means covering, veil, or obstruction.
MAZEL TOV: Mazel Tov is a Jewish phrase used to express congratulations or good fortune. While it literally translates to "good luck" from modern Hebrew "mazzāl ṭōḇ", its meaning is closer to "I am happy for your good fortune!" rather than a wish for future luck.
MALADAPTIVE PERSONALITY: A maladaptive personality refers to a pattern of thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses that hinder an individual's ability to adapt to their environment, maintain healthy relationships, or cope effectively with stress. These traits often lead to difficulties in social, occupational, or personal functioning. Key Characteristics: Rigid & Inflexible Thinking – Struggles to adjust to new situations or perspectives. Poor Coping Mechanisms – Uses avoidance, aggression, or self-destructive behaviors instead of constructive problem-solving. Interpersonal Difficulties – Experiences strained relationships due to impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, or social withdrawal. Self-Sabotaging Behaviors – Engages in actions that undermine personal growth or well-being. Examples of Maladaptive Personality Traits: Avoidant tendencies – Excessive fear of rejection leading to social isolation. Narcissistic traits – An inflated sense of self-importance that disrupts relationships. Impulsivity – Acting without considering consequences, often leading to instability. Passive-aggressiveness – Indirect resistance to expectations or authority.
WATER MOCCASIN: The Water Moccasin, also known as the Cottonmouth, carries deep symbolic meaning across various traditions. Here are some of its key symbolic associations: Transformation & Rebirth: Like all snakes, the Water Moccasin sheds its skin, symbolizing renewal, personal growth, and transformation. In some traditions, encountering this snake represents letting go of old patterns to embrace a new phase in life. Primal Instincts & Survival: The Water Moccasin is known for its defensive posture, standing its ground rather than retreating. This symbolizes self-preservation, boundary-setting, and inner strength. It reminds individuals to trust their instincts and protect what is sacred. Hidden Knowledge & Mysticism: As a creature that dwells near water and often remains unseen, it is linked to hidden wisdom, intuition, and the subconscious. Some cultures associate it with messages from the underworld or ancestral spirits. Emotional Intensity & Power: The Water Moccasin’s venom represents potent energy, which can be destructive or healing depending on how it is wielded. It symbolizes harnessing one's emotions and channeling them constructively.
MUNDANE: Mundane is an adjective that describes something as ordinary, commonplace, or lacking excitement. It can also refer to things that are earthly or worldly, as opposed to spiritual or transcendent.
TRUTH: The ultimate meaning of Truth is a profound philosophical and metaphysical concept that varies across traditions, but generally refers to absolute reality, unchanging wisdom, and the fundamental nature of existence.
ARCHETYPE: An archetype is a universal pattern, model, or prototype that serves as the foundation for concepts, characters, or symbols across cultures and disciplines. It can be found in literature, mythology, psychology, and philosophy.
VOLITION: Volition refers to the faculty or power of using one's will—the ability to make conscious choices or decisions. It is often associated with self-determination, autonomy, and intentional action.
CORPOREAL: Corporeal refers to something relating to the physical body rather than the mind or spirit. It can also mean having a material existence rather than being abstract or intangible.
MAYA: The word Maya has multiple etymological roots, depending on its cultural and linguistic context. Sanskrit Origin (माया) Derived from "ma" (म) meaning "not" and "ya" (या) meaning "that which exists". In Advaita Vedanta, Maya represents illusion or the deceptive nature of reality, veiling the true essence of Brahman. In Hinduism & Buddhism, it signifies the transient, ever-changing world.
EGO: Ego refers to a person's sense of self-esteem, self-importance, or personal identity. It plays a crucial role in psychology, philosophy, and spirituality.
DARK REGION: The Dark Night of the Soul is a profound spiritual and psychological experience, symbolizing deep transformation, existential crisis, and the dissolution of the ego. It originates from the writings of St. John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish mystic, who described it as a phase of spiritual purification leading to divine union.
ONYX: Onyx, a powerful stone with deep symbolic meaning. If so, here’s what it represents: Symbolism of Onyx: Protection & Strength – Onyx is believed to shield against negative energy and enhance resilience. Grounding & Stability – Associated with the root chakra, it helps anchor emotions and promote inner balance. Karmic Awareness – In esoteric traditions, Onyx is linked to Saturn, the planet of karma, emphasizing cause and effect. Transformation & Shadow Work – It aids in processing grief, overcoming fears, and embracing personal growth.
ELIXIR OF IMMORTALITY: The Elixir of Immortality, also known as the Elixir of Life, is a legendary substance believed to grant eternal youth, longevity, or even divine enlightenment. It has appeared in alchemy, mythology, and spiritual traditions across cultures. Origins & Mythological Significance: Ancient Mesopotamia – The Epic of Gilgamesh describes Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality, where he seeks a mystical plant but loses it to a serpent. Chinese Alchemy – Taoist alchemists sought an elixir to achieve immortality, often using substances like gold, cinnabar, and jade—though many formulas were toxic. Hinduism & Amrita – In Hindu mythology, the devas and asuras churned the ocean to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality, which was ultimately safeguarded by Vishnu. Western Alchemy – Alchemists in medieval Europe pursued the Philosopher’s Stone, believed to grant eternal life and transform base metals into gold. Symbolic Meaning: Represents transcendence beyond mortality. Symbolizes spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Often linked to alchemy’s pursuit of perfection.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: Corporal punishment refers to the infliction of physical pain as a form of discipline or punishment. It can be applied in various contexts, including judicial, domestic, educational, and institutional settings.
MAD HONEY: Mad honey is a type of honey that contains grayanotoxins, which can cause hallucinogenic and toxic effects when consumed in large quantities. It is primarily produced in Nepal and Turkey, where bees collect nectar from rhododendron flowers, which naturally contain these toxins.
SPIRITS: In the world of liquor, spirits refer to distilled alcoholic beverages with a higher alcohol content than beer or wine. They are created through fermentation followed by distillation, which removes water and concentrates the alcohol. Key Characteristics of Spirits: Distilled Alcohol – Unlike beer and wine, spirits undergo distillation to increase alcohol content. Higher ABV (Alcohol by Volume) – Typically ranges from 20% to 90%, with most falling between 40-50%. Base Ingredients – Made from fermented grains, fruits, or sugar sources. Varieties – Includes vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, tequila, brandy, and mezcal. Why Are They Called "Spirits"? The term "spirits" originates from the distillation process, where alcohol evaporates and condenses, resembling the release of a "spirit". The word itself comes from Latin "spiritus," meaning breath or essence.
DEVIL'S LETTUCE: "Devil’s Lettuce" is a slang term for marijuana (cannabis), originating from early anti-drug propaganda in the 20th century. The phrase was used to demonize cannabis, associating it with moral decay and criminality during prohibition efforts.
AVARANA: The Sanskrit word Āvaraṇa (आवरण) means covering, veil, or obstruction.
PREJUDICE: Prejudiced refers to having an unfair or biased opinion about something or someone, often based on preconceived notions rather than facts or experience. It can manifest as discrimination, intolerance, or favoritism.
ENSLAVEMENT: Enslavement is the act of forcing someone into slavery, depriving them of freedom and autonomy. It involves subjugation, suppression, and control, often through coercion or systemic oppression.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION: Psychological manipulation is a form of social influence where one person exploits, controls, or deceives another to serve their own interests, often at the expense of the manipulated individual. Unlike persuasion, which allows for informed decision-making, manipulation typically involves coercion, deception, or emotional exploitation.
JIN: The term Jin has multiple meanings depending on the context: In Islamic and pre-Islamic Arabian traditions, Jinn (or Djinn) are supernatural beings made of smokeless fire, possessing free will and capable of shapeshifting. They can be benevolent, neutral, or malevolent, and are often associated with mystical knowledge, protection, or mischief.
SENSUAL: Sensual refers to something relating to or involving gratification of the senses, particularly physical pleasure. It often carries connotations of rich sensory experiences, including touch, taste, sound, and sight.
HAND-CRAFTED CANOE: A hand-crafted canoe symbolizes self-care, resilience, and intentionality, reflecting the journey of personal growth and well-being. Here’s how: 1. Craftsmanship & Self-Nurturing: Just as a canoe requires careful shaping, patience, and skill, taking care of oneself involves deliberate effort and attention. The process of crafting a canoe mirrors self-reflection and refinement, shaping one’s inner world with purpose. 2. Navigation & Emotional Balance: A canoe must be balanced and steady to glide smoothly—just like maintaining emotional equilibrium in life. Paddling requires adjustments and mindfulness, reminding us to navigate challenges with grace rather than resistance. 3. Connection to Nature & Inner Peace: Canoes are deeply tied to waterways, symbolizing flow, adaptability, and harmony with nature. Spending time in a canoe fosters solitude and introspection, encouraging self-care through connection with the natural world. 4. Resilience & Strength: A well-crafted canoe withstands rough waters, symbolizing inner resilience in the face of adversity. It teaches the importance of self-reliance, knowing that one’s strength comes from within. 5. Journey & Transformation: Canoeing is a journey, not just a destination—just like self-care is an ongoing process. Every paddle stroke represents small, intentional steps toward well-being.
PRIMORDIAL: Primordial refers to something that exists from the beginning of time, is fundamental, or is in its earliest stage of development. It conveys a sense of primal origins and essential nature.
INQUISITIVE: Inquisitive describes someone who is curious, eager to learn, or inclined to ask questions. It can also imply a strong desire to investigate or explore.
FILIAL LOVE: Filial love refers to the deep affection, respect, and devotion that a child holds for their parents. It embodies a sense of duty, gratitude, and emotional connection, often shaped by cultural and moral values.
HEART: In spiritual traditions, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, representing love, wisdom, intuition, and divine connection. It is more than a physical organ—it symbolizes the seat of consciousness, moral integrity, and emotional depth. Spiritual Meanings of the Heart: Sacred Core – Many traditions view the heart as the dwelling place of the soul, where divine presence resides. Love & Compassion – The heart is associated with unconditional love, empathy, and the ability to connect deeply with others. Inner Truth & Wisdom – In mystical teachings, the heart is the source of higher knowledge, beyond rational thought. Purification & Transformation – The concept of a "pure heart" signifies spiritual clarity, free from ego and illusion. Bridge Between Worlds – The heart is often depicted as the link between the material and spiritual realms, guiding one toward enlightenment. Symbolism Across Traditions: Christianity – The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents divine love and mercy. Sufism – The heart is the locus of divine remembrance (dhikr), where one attains unity with God. Hinduism & Buddhism – The Anahata chakra (heart chakra) is the center of balance, harmony, and spiritual awakening. Ancient Egyptian Beliefs – The heart was weighed against the feather of Ma’at to determine one's purity and truth in the afterlife.
STELE: A stele (plural: stelae) is an upright stone or wooden slab that serves as a monument, marker, or commemorative inscription. It has been used throughout history for various purposes.
ILLUMINATING SUN: The illuminating sun carries profound symbolism across cultures, representing life, wisdom, renewal, and divine presence. Here are some of its key meanings: 1. Source of Life & Vital Energy: The sun sustains all living beings, symbolizing creation, nourishment, and vitality. In many traditions, it represents the life force that fuels growth and transformation. 2. Enlightenment & Higher Consciousness: The sun’s light dispels darkness, symbolizing wisdom, truth, and spiritual awakening. In mystical traditions, it is often linked to universal consciousness, illuminating the path to self-realization. 3. Renewal & Cycles of Existence: The sun’s daily rise and fall reflect the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. It embodies perseverance and renewal, reminding us that after darkness comes light. 4. Divine Presence & Cosmic Order: Many ancient civilizations worshiped the sun as a deity, associating it with divine power. It represents cosmic harmony, guiding the rhythm of nature and human existence. 5. Inner Light & Personal Growth: The sun is often seen as a metaphor for the soul, radiating inner strength and clarity. It encourages self-discovery, courage, and embracing one’s true essence.
MYTHOLOGICAL: Mythological refers to anything related to myths or mythology, often involving legendary figures, supernatural beings, or ancient stories that explain natural phenomena, cultural beliefs, or cosmic origins.
ENIGMATIC: Enigmatic is an adjective that describes something as mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to interpret. It often refers to people, expressions, or situations that are cryptic or elusive, leaving others intrigued or uncertain.
FATE: Fate refers to the predetermined course of events beyond a person's control, often seen as guided by a supernatural force or cosmic order.