Milana – meeting

«What first was a cause for happiness during meeting (milana) is now the cause of distress in separation (viraha). Just as in the spring season the kuhū-kuhū sound of the cuckoo (koyal), the forest of the Yamunā and so on seem extremely pleasant at the time of meeting; at the time of separation they become deeply distressful» (Commentary by Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyana Gosvāmī Mahārāja on Brihad-bhagavatamrita. 1.6.104-105).

When I was studying in an ashram in India, among the tight schedule there was a moment called Maitri Milan, which can be translated as “meeting between friends”. It was a very pleasant moment where the whole ashram got together and sang bhajans, devotional songs, in a fun way (everyone contributed with an instrument or voice and the rhythm increased more and more until singing very fast). It was nice to be together with everyone.

This month seems to offer a lot more social life than usual for you, Cancer. On the one hand, it pleases you and you delude yourself that your periods of loneliness are over once and for all. On the other hand, it makes you nervous, because being with others also means making compromises, which you don’t always want to accept. Your task, Cancer, this month, is to figure out how to enjoy others company without making the mistakes you always make in relationships.

IN PRACTICE  

Vriksha-āsana, tree pose

For a physical and mental balance: expose yourself to the air, but with firm inner roots.

Awareness exercise

For the Greeks, there was a measure in knowing how to be with others: knowing how to draw and offer moderate pleasure, without frigidity and clumsiness. This measure was called eutrapelia. Observe yourself in your encounters with others: are you rigid, cold or at other times exaggerated, flashy?

Mantra of the month 

«Eutrapelia».