Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

In Hindu tradition, cosmic change is represented by a trio of deities. Brahma is the first, the initial outpouring of the energy of the universe. He represents creative energy, life-force, growth. Vishnu is the maintainer. He represents all of the varied forms that the energy takes, all of the plants, animals, minerals, elements, and all of their interactions. Shiva is often conceived of (especially in the West) as the destroyer, but I think a better way to think of him is as the renewer. Yes his final dance is one of total destruction, but only to make way for a new start, to make room for Brahma to begin again, for the trio is cyclical.

In farming this cycle becomes apparent. By planting a seed we are unleashing the creativity and growth within it. Then comes the maintenance. This means transplanting, watering, adding compost, weeding, thinning, initiating interactions with other plants/organisms, the list goes on. And then comes the destruction. Harvesting a crop often means ending a life. But it’s not simply destructive. Whether you are cutting grass to feed to livestock, cutting and harvesting rice that will feed many people, or digging up a field to plant a new crop, the destruction gives way to renewal. Life goes on and the cycle continues.

Striking rice against stones to loosen the grain

Feeling particularly Shiva-esque

After cutting all of the rice, we tilled the terraces to make way for many new beds of crops