antevasin

In one of the many books I am reading at present I came across a word and an idea that really resonate. Antevasin, is a Sanskrit word, it means "one who lives at the borders." Apparently it originally referred to people who chose to leave the safety of their homes and venture out to the edge of the forest where the spirits dwelt, in order to uncover the answers to the sacred in their lives. In Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert describes it as " living on that shimmering line between your old thinking and your new understanding." That, my friends, is cool water to a thirsty soul as far as I am concerned. E-P-L is a wonderful read, I ploughed through it in a day and a half, consuming the pages like a starving man with a plate of food. It is a fairly easy read, but that does not mean unsubstantial or inconsequential, it is a great meditation on life, spirituality, and finding balance--honestly and lovingly written.

Comments

[seeward]

WOW! Now I have a word for the way I choose to live : Antevasin . I have also felt more comfortable on the borders than in the center.I keep running into problems when I try to lead people out to the borders when they are actually looking for the safety of being in the center. For me this reality if mostly expressed in the form of thoughts or mental concepts but for others it is expressed in the ways that they relate socially (think of Shane Claiborne who feels more at home in beyond the borders of western social structures). I ordered the book you mentioned - I am looking forward to checking it out!

[Ann]

Loved your post on 'antevasin.' I just finished EPL tonight and am still absorbing it all. LOVED every word of it, especially antevasin, which describes my life. I never knew there was a word for it. So refreshing to read such a well-written, engaging book about a spiritual seeker with her head on her shoulders and feet on the ground. Simply loved it! I was amazed by how clearly she articulated the same mistakes I've made, thoughts I've had...it was actually quite a transformative read and I can tell that the wheels are still turning.

[gray]

I am in the middle of EPL, had to stop and search the web for this incredible word that describes me to a tee!! I have always been at the border! My whole family laughs about it! I am married with two children and I have been trying desperately to stay in the center and conform! It is eating me alive and I am searching for thus happy medium between raising a family and still living my life on the border!

[serene-dipity]

I just wanted to comment that I really associate with this concept, but not so much because of an avoidance to things in the center. I feel so very comfortable at the boarders simply because I feel safe knowing that there is something else over that border that is wonderful and worth exploring. It is almost like being surrounded with options and comfort of change, not being stuck somewhere. Just a thought. btw, I love this book, I also had to stop and look up this word, and am fascinated that a site talking about eat, pray, love, is the first hit I came across. Gilbert reminds me so much of my self, yet the complete opposite at times as well. Wonderful read!!

[Martine Depré]

dit is het juiste boek op het juiste moment in mijn leven

antevasin is gewoon mijn woord

[ShawnBT]

I have been listening to EPL and had to stop and look up Antevasin. Since getting married and having a daughter I have struggled with my own sense of who I am. I want to be who I am but it is hard when being pulled to be a mother, daughter, and wife. EPL is fascinating and I am looking forward to the second half.

[Vicki]

I have been on a spiritual path for quite some time and, like Ms Gilbert have enjoyed being able to travel to different areas to experience people and cultures. It is wonderful to be able to feel connected to people even though you don't know them personally. The only thing that stands between us all is that fear of the unknown. This will keep us away from the borders where the truth can be manifest. Don't be afraid to jump to the other side.

[Karen]

Has anyone found out how to pronounce "Antevasin"? I love the concept too -- but how do you say it, since it is a Sanscrit word?

[chinny]

Vicki- its Sanskrit (heh)

And its pronounced... Uh-N-Teh-Vah-seen.

in -Vah- the a is soft.

[JM]

According to Vedic philosophy a person takes shelter successively in each of the four stages during, his life’s journey. These ashrams are Brahmacharya Grahasta, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. The overall movement from ashram to ashram facilitates the merging of the jivatma (individual soul) with the paramatma (universal soul or God), which is the purpose of life.