Today we will be able to view a partial Solar Eclipse which would be visible in India after 4.30 p.m. Coincidentally, yesterday I came across this wonderful paragraph about an Eclipse in a book by Sister Devamata titled "Days in an Indian Monastery" published by
Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Talking about Spiritual practices and Religious Observances being followed in India Sister Devamata writes and I quote:
"A slight eclipse called forth from Swami Ramakrishnananda the mention of another interesting religious custom. "An eclipse," he said, "means that the Cosmic Mind is a little clouded. When we know that this Universal Mind is overclouded we should be watchful. At the time of an eclipse we are enjoined by our Scriptures to take a bath, repeat some holy name, pray and meditate, being careful to allow no frivolous thought to cross our mind." p.98 - 99.
Days in an Indian Monastery is available at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. 'It is a Spiritual Diary of Sister Devamata replete with spontaneous and pregnant comments of the great ones whose presence she avidly absorbed.'