1. Dhokha-niyama
The discipline of not being fooled by under-steamed dhokla
“Beta, if the dhokla does not rise, do not blame the enquirer. Blame the ensoor—the essence of the sour. Too much, too little? Life is like that also. Patience. Warmth. Timing. And always check your fruitfulness.”
– Auntie A., Chapter 1, Verse 3 (from Batter to Being)
2. Bhelpuri Brahma-vichāra
Contemplating the cosmic crunch
“You think the universe is silent? Put one bhelpuri in your mouth. Hear the sev crack, the puffed rice pop, the chutney hum. That is not noise, beti. That is the sound of creation—chaotic, sweet, tangy, and completely inseparable. Just like you and that which you seek.”
– Auntie A., Chapter 4, Verse 11 (from The Snack of Śūnyatā)
3. Chai-tanya
The awareness that arises while waiting for the milk to boil
“Three things cannot be rushed: enlightenment, forgiveness, and milk on a low flame. Watch. Wait. Let the heat do its work. When the bubbles rise like tiny japa beads, you’ll know—the divine is not in the boil, but in the waiting.”
– Auntie A., Chapter 6, Verse 7 (from Simmering Soul)
The Inverted Trees 