2025

Red : Between Blood and Awakening

Author(s): Dr. Krishna Panda

Abstract

Preface
The poem RED delves into the raw emotions of conflict, vengeance, and the illusion of righteousness that often fuel humanity's darkest moments. Through evocative imagery, it portrays a swelling tide of violence driven by blind faith and narrow-mindedness. The color red—symbolizing both passion and destruction—serves as a powerful metaphor for the fury that blinds individuals to truth and wisdom.
Rooted in Vedantic and Upanishadic philosophy, this poem invites deeper contemplation on the nature of ignorance (avidyā), anger (krodha), and attachment (moha), which have been recognized in Hindu scriptures as the primary obstacles to liberation (moksha). Through its verses, the poem subtly challenges the reader to recognize the illusion (Maya) of self-righteous aggression and to seek a higher truth beyond the transient turmoil of the material world. The question—"Did you know?"—is not merely rhetorical; it is an invitation to self-inquiry, a call to transcend the limitations of anger and violence through wisdom and self-realization.