Be like the garland-maker, not the charcoal burner…

In the classic Indian epic, the Mahabharata, there is a ceremony for when a new king is crowned. There is a warning to “Be like the garland-maker, O King, and not like a charcoal burner.” Here, the garland symbolized social harmony, where many flowers of many colors and forms are strung harmoniously, creating a stunning effect. The charcoal-burner represents raw force and the reduction of diversity into homogeneity, where all life is rendered to a similar ash quality. In taking the oath, the king promises to promote diversity so that culture may thrive. In essence, this is an oath to respect and operate in accordance with Indra’s net. – Rico Roho