As We May Drink

I must have been both Indian and Japanese at least once in my previous lives. Every time I drink a cup of golden milk or matcha latte, it feels as if one is being wrapped in a kind of an ageless energetic cloak and transported into a higher plane. A plane that represents supreme peace and symbolizes neuroendocrine equanimity. Both turmeric and matcha are deeply revered in Indian and Japanese thought, and I’ve often wondered how elevated and sagacious Vedic and Zen cultures had to be to weave these two plants so intricately into fabrics of such shimmering spirituality. The inspiring sum total of the vibrant color, numinous symbolism and meticulous rituals, carefully designed, lovingly nurtured and impeccably followed across generations.

Turmeric, with its magnificent golden hue, has for thousands of years held enormous significance in the Indian subcontinent. Turmeric occupies a towering seat in almost every walk of life, venerated for symbolizing purity, prosperity, and auspiciousness. There is probably no other spice as commonly used in Indian cuisine, and it is widely acclaimed in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In fact, golden milk or haldi doodh is itself an ancient Ayurvedic concoction. Similarly, matcha, with its majestic emerald green tint, is accorded a preeminent position in Japan. One cannot go anywhere in Japan without encountering matcha, starting from the inspiring ancient Japanese tea ceremony to even ice cream. Matcha holds a deep spiritual significance in the Zen philosophy governing meditation, emphasizing harmony, mindfulness, and purity. Modern medicine has begun singing the praises of both turmeric and matcha, but for me, it is their aesthetic and traditional import that make them even more special.

There is a tradition we follow in South India whenever we visit the Kāmākshi temple. It is customary for visitors to the temple to bring Kanchipuram silk sarees to the divine mother. One entire lifespan is probably not sufficient to describe the rich history and sacred import of Kanchipuram sarees. It takes an entire day to select the right saree for the divine mother amidst the dazzling array of choices, and we’ve often selected a saree in either emerald green or golden yellow the day prior to the pre-dawn visit to the temple. It is to experience the life force of true nature to glimpse the statue of the divine mother dressed in the saree one selected the day before. It occurred to me quite recently that my fondness and yearning for turmeric and matcha carry a direct analogy with this divine sight.

One of my favorite childhood movies is on the life and literary works of Kālidāsa, the acclaimed ancient Indian poet, playwright, and philosopher, whose work in pure Sanskrit will undoubtedly take many more lives to experience and study. In this movie, Kālidāsa has a dream in which the divine mother appears to him in human form inside the Kāli temple, inscribing the primordial symbol of ōm on his tongue, upon which he instantly witnesses his true transcendental nature and experiences the divine mother in three forms. In each of these forms, she is seen wearing a saree of a different color – white, golden yellow, and emerald green, symbolizing different attributes of the highest metaphysical reality. It is said that it was during this experience that Kālidāsa composed his composition of śrī śyāmalā daṇḍakam where each stanza enumerates and extols these attributes with rich expressiveness and sublime nuance. The white saree symbolizes milk, the golden yellow represents turmeric, and the emerald green embodies matcha. The śrī śyāmalā daṇḍakam is a very long composition, but I’ve found myself reflecting over the stanzas corresponding to the three colors as depicted in the movie:

Divine mother wearing a white saree symbolizing milk:

māṇikyavīṇāmupalālayantīṁ

madālasāṁ mañjulavāgvilāsām |

māhēndranīladyutikōmalāṅgīṁ

mātaṅgakanyāṁ manasā smarāmi || 1 ||

This opening verse invokes the image of Matangi, a form of the Divine Mother associated with wisdom, art, and music.

“Ruby-veena” symbolizes the harmony of life created by divine music, representing the eternal vibrations of the cosmos. “Gentle speech” emphasizes the power of kind and wise communication, which is crucial for spiritual evolution. “Celestial sapphire hues” reflect her connection to higher realms and divine grace. “Tender form” conveys her nurturing, compassionate nature, indicating that the Divine Mother is approachable and loving. An emphasis on inner harmony, artistic inspiration, and the ability to express oneself eloquently and wisely.

Divine mother wearing a golden yellow saree representing turmeric:

caturbhujē candrakalāvatamśē

kucōnnatē kuṅkumarāga śōṇē |

puṇḍrēkṣupāśāṅkuśapuṣpabāṇa-

hastē namastē jagadēkamātaḥ || 2 ||

This verse describes Matangi’s divine form and the objects she holds, each with symbolic meaning:

“Four arms” (caturbhujē) represent her multifaceted abilities to nurture, protect, create, and incinerate negativity. “Crescent moon” (candrakalāvatamśē) signifies calmness, intuition, and the cycles of nature. “Red kumkum glow” (kuṅkumarāga śōṇē) reflects her power, energy, and connection to the root chakra, which governs stability and vitality. “Sugarcane bow and flower arrows” (puṇḍrēkṣupāśāṅkuśapuṣpabāṇa) symbolize love and sweetness in spiritual practice, reminding us to approach life with a sense of joy and beauty. “Noose and goad” reflect the tools for restraining and guiding, representing control over desires and directing one’s energy toward spiritual goals. A veneration of true nature will, as it guides and nurtures us with both discipline and love.

Divine mother wearing an emerald green saree embodying matcha:

mātā marakataśyāmā mātaṅgī

madaśālinī |

kuryātkaṭākṣaṁ kalyāṇī

kadambavanavāsinī || 3 ||

Here, Matangi is praised as an embodiment of natural beauty and auspiciousness:

“Emerald brilliance” (marakataśyāmā) symbolizes her connection to the heart chakra, radiating unconditional love and compassion. “Grace and joy” (kuryātkaṭākṣaṁ) describe her playful, creative aspects, encouraging devotees to embrace spiritual practices with enthusiasm. “Kadamba forest” (kadambavanavāsinī) is sacred and represents inner solitude where one can connect with divine energies in peace. This verse urges seekers to cultivate inner purity, love, and creativity while seeking divine grace for spiritual growth.

One one combines the three:

jaya mātaṅgatanayē jaya

nīlōtpaladyutē |

jaya saṅgītarasikē jaya līlāśukapriyē ||

The final verse celebrates Matangi’s victory and highlights her love for art, music, and devotion:

“Blue lotus” (nīlōtpaladyutē) symbolizes spiritual awakening and purity, as the lotus grows unstained in muddy water, reflecting the soul’s journey toward enlightenment. “Lover of classical music” (saṅgītarasikē) refers to her as the goddess of creativity, music, and the arts, encouraging devotees to use art as a form of worship. “Beloved of Lilasukha” (līlāśukapriyē) connects us to the divine play (Lila) and reminds us to embrace the joy and spontaneity of spiritual life. My spiritual takeaway: This verse inspires great energy through art, music, and joy, encouraging us to celebrate life as an expression of divine love and beauty.

Milk, turmeric and matcha. <3