About teeth and the bite

 

Jeebh Daataanni Chavili:

For the last month or so I have been in the midst of receiving treatment in Pune for dental issues. The lower gum had a swelling for a few months. When I showed it to the dentist she diagnosed it as a pus filled cyst of abscess, the source of which was likely from a neighboring tooth. After a couple of attempts at draining the pus, it would collect again. I was recommended a root canal procedure. That was completed last week. Now the process has begun to install a crown over that tooth. Today I had measurements taken. Next week the crown may be ready to be installed. I am told to not chew my food on the side of the affected tooth until the crown is fully ready for use. 

As I sat at the table this evening biting on a sesame roti brought by my maid I became aware of how precious the teeth are. Until we arrive at a point where their existence is threatened, we do not acknowledge their importance. This fact holds true for all the faculties of our body. We tend to take it for granted that we can see with our eyes, hear with our ears, touch with our hands, eat well with our mouth, taste with our tongue, swallow down the throat and digest in the intestines. A full sensory experience is possible. It may not be guaranteed forever but today it is here. It is a gift. It calls for valuing, not when it is in jeopardy or when it’s gone, but now, when it is serving us, making life livable and enjoyable. 

The thought that started around the topic of the teeth or dental health, led to the recall of Muktabai’s words from Taatiche abhang:

Jeebh Daataanni chaavili

Koni battishi todili ?

जीभ दातांनी चाविली

कोणी बत्तीशी तोडीली?

When the teeth bite over the tongue occasionally, who responds by knocking off the teeth in retaliation? 

This statement is packed with immense power. It is such a poignant and succinct way to remind us of our essential being. We are more than our single physical body.  We are the sum total of physical bodies around us and much more than that. We tend to become forgetful of this fact and guard just our body against adversity. Whenever another person causes us hurt or discomfort, whether physical, emotional, financial, social or any other way, if we are strong enough, we respond to it rather swiftly and effectively. The reaction may be out of proportion to the initial wrongdoing. Sometimes the wrongdoing itself is perceived wrongdoing, not actual wrongdoing. And the mind adopts the narrative without verification of facts. Then begins to mount a response for that presumed offense. 

Rising above our singular body consciousness is critical for delusion to be replaced by wisdom. Only when the bite felt on our body is recognized as coming from our own teeth can the natural response to the perceived assault be overridden. Only then reasoning will be supplemented by empathy and understanding and response directed with patience and wisdom. Only then tolerance will be natural and forgiveness will be effortless. Also learning will follow automatically and without resistance, so as to avoid repetition of the same mistakes. The tongue and teeth ( so as to say) will behave more carefully moving forward so as to not get into each other’s way, while recognizing that they are part of one system and each one is equally important for the function of the system. I am important but it’s just not about me, the other person is equally important and we need to resolve troubles with mutual understanding rather than warring with each other. This maturity needs to come. 

Looking at what’s going on all around the world today it is evident how force is applied in disproportionate measures towards minimally provocative situations. Failure to recognize fellow humans as universally part of the human race and instead assigning them to smaller categories based on the color of their skin or hair, their reproductive organs, geographical origin, the language they speak, the clothes they wear, the God they worship, the wealth they have, the title and power they hold, the political views they express, this has only created unrest and insecurity. On one hand technology has brought the global community closer. On the other hand, rejection of age old wisdom has created a chism amongst fellow humans.

This particular line from Taatiche abhang is a classic example of the knowledge of the spirit, or what a student of Vedanta may refer to as Bramha Vidya, finding practical application in day to day life. Muktabai’s pearls of wisdom are steeped in commonplace analogies that make them so relatable to just about any person. How many people would have never in their lives bit on their own tongue? Yet it takes a genius to see a lesson in it. It is Muktabai’s extraordinary skill to demonstrate the pertinence of Vedanta in the social context. Contrary to the belief of the present generation of Hindu lineage that Vedanta is irrelevant to practical living, this is one of the innumerable examples that prove otherwise. A lot of things change with passage of time like scientific knowledge, technology, geopolitical maps, social structures etc.. Yet a lot of things do not change even after several centuries and ages, such as human aspirations, emotions, behaviors, relationship challenges etc. The core wisdom of the saints never loses relevance because it is cognizant of human struggles and vulnerabilities. The wisdom is eternal because of its perpetual relevance. A woman of the 21st century remembering this classic line from a brilliant young woman saint of the 13th century made the former think deeper today and once again salute the saint for the valuable insight, while simultaneously feeling grateful towards her creator for the gift of memory. Memory can fade just like the dental health. But saintly words will always ring true.