Art And Science Of Meditation

Author(s): Vinubhai D Shah
Publisher: Vinubhai D Shah

Page 4

Art & Science of Meditation
FOREWORD
Summer vacations in India meant that my older brother and I had several wonderful daily rituals in store for us. Freshly cut mangoes, bigger and juicier than the ones in California. Rides on our cousins' scooters, with the thrill of dodging motorists and scattered cattle on our way to get milkshakes at the market. Games of carrom that lasted hours, as we tried our hands against the skillful flicks of the seasoned veterans in our family. But most of all, time with our grandparents, which always began with us hurrying downstairs in time to watch Dr. Vinubhai Shah (or Pappa, as we affectionately call him) shaving at the breakfast table.
This particular ritual fascinated us. Perhaps it was because we were not yet old enough to shave. Perhaps it was because everyone in America shaved standing up in the bathroom, and we could not understand a different way. So every morning we bounded down the stairs to see Pappa set up his portable mirror, his bowl of water, his shaving brush, and his razor...then watched him slather on a white fluffy beard that was destined for a slow and methodical disappearance.
One year, old enough to wield a razor myself, I finally thought to ask Pappa the question - why did he choose to
(4)