Reading Notes: 7 Secrets of Vishnu, Part 1

This week I decided to watch some more videos! I really enjoy all of the illustrations and the story-telling method in the videos.

(Photo from WikiMedia.)

Part 1 is about Mohini's Secret. Mohini is the female version of Vishnu. Vishnu is conventionally visualized as male which I found interesting. Mohini is known as his female form. I was not aware of the fact the Hindu mythology uses gender as a vehicle to communicate metaphysical ideas. A fundamental theme in Indian metaphysics is the existence of two realities: material reality and spiritual reality. Material reality is tangible reality that can be perceived through the senses. Spiritual reality is intangible reality that can't be perceived through the sense. Material reality is represented using female form while spiritual reality is represented using male form. I found this to be extremely interesting as it seems almost backwards from the way males and females are today. Females are usually known to be more spiritual beings while males are likely to be ashamed or embarrassed if they are very spiritual. Mohini is female in form but male in essence due to her spiritual reality. Apsaras are full female forms that enchant to distract humanity from spiritual reality and entrap all in material reality. Mohini enchants to draw humanity's attention to spiritual reality within material reality. Mini is thus spiritual reality wrapped in material reality which is the central theme of Vishnu lore. This idea is fairly difficult for me to wrap my head around.
In metaphysics, material reality is known as prakriti, and spiritual reality is referred to as purusha. Prakriti means nature and purusha means human. I found it interesting that the material reality meaning translates to nature when humans are the only beings with the ability to reflect, introspect, imagine, and choose. These qualities make it possible for humans to leap beyond physical limitations. This makes human life extremely special. Material and spiritual reality are interdependent. Without material reality, spiritual reality can't be discovered. Without spiritual reality, material reality has no purpose.

Mohini's Secret - 7 Secrets of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik.