The Mountain. The River.

As I sit in my room, perched atop a mountain in the charming town of Kalimpong, a breathtaking view unfolds before me. From my window, I gaze upon a garden adorned with fluttering Darchog – the Buddhist prayer flags, sway gracefully in the crisp morning mountain breeze. Beyond the small garden, a verdant valley cloaked in dense woodland stretches out, revealing the habitation of Kalimpong town on the opposing mountainside. The sun begins its ascent in the east, casting its golden glow upon the landscape.

I am thinking about the rafting trip I took yesterday afternoon, with my daughter. We were at Melli, on the Teesta, a Himalayan ice melt river. We had just got past the second rapids, were soaked to the skin in the refreshingly cold water – and yet, not cold.

As we rowed along a calm patch, it was a moment of serenity and awe as we marvelled at the stunning landscape around us. The old pines seem looking down at us benevolently – a few of them, raked sharply – almost in admonishment – warning us of any potential disrespect!

“How beautiful! Can you imagine how lucky the river is – to see this all the time?”, my daughter remarked, in her usual nonchalantly insightful way.

Rivers, especially those born in the mountains, possess an enchanting dynamism. Born from the melting ice of lofty peaks, they commence the journey with a gentle trickle, gradually gathering strength as they carve their way through the rugged terrain.

Like a living entity, the river evolves and transforms, embodying the spirit of constant motion flowing relentlessly from the source to the destination. The essence of a river lies in its ability to provide life, nourishment, and inspiration to the surrounding landscape, yet it remains in a constant state of flux. The Teesta, originating from the melting ice of the Himalayan peaks, epitomizes this eternal flow.

I wonder if the river itself is aware of the breathtaking landscapes it encounters along its course. Does it perceive the towering snow-capped mountains, the cascading waterfalls, or the verdant valleys it traverses? Can the river truly perceive the magnificence it carries within its flow? Does the river truly experiences the beauty it carries within its embrace? Or does it simply exist as an instrument, carrying the essence of beauty without truly comprehending it? Or, does its purpose extend beyond personal perception – does it serve as a conduit for the experiences and wonderment of those who encounter its majesty?

While a river may witness the changing landscapes and fleeting moments of beauty along its course, it remains an amalgamation of experiences, constantly evolving. Each passing second brings a new interaction, a new encounter with the environment it traverses. The river we see at any given moment is a culmination of past moments, merged with the present, and shaping the future. It carries with it the essence of its journey, just as we carry the experiences that shape us.

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.

Heraclitus

The river’s purpose remains unchanged, as does our own; to flow mightily, enrich all that we touch, and ultimately merge into something greater. Despite the changing circumstances, the river’s aim remains constant, mirroring our own aspirations for growth, connection, and purpose.

I realize that the true beauty of a river lies not only in the sights it witnesses but in its very existence. The Teesta, like all rivers, carries within its flow the stories of the land it traverses. It reminds us of the importance of accepting the transitory nature of life, embracing change, and remaining steadfast in our purpose. Just as the river merges with the vast ocean, we too have the opportunity to merge our own unique experiences into the collective tapestry of life.

Far from being a static entity, the river weaves a tapestry of transformation throughout its existence. It intertwines with the land it courses through, shaping the surrounding landscape and providing sustenance to all that depend on its life-giving waters. The river mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself, adapting to changing circumstances, yet always remaining true to its essence.

Time is a fascinating companion to the river’s ceaseless flow. It is both a witness to change and a silent participant in the evolution of landscapes. As the river journeys through the centuries, carving its path and etching its mark upon the earth, it carries the stories of those who have interacted with its waters.

It embraces the past, melds it with the present, and shapes the future.

In this perpetual dance, the river embodies the cyclical nature of existence, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things.

Embrace the enigma, find solace in the unknown, and enjoy our own journey of discovery along the ever-changing paths of life’s rivers.