What is more Filipino than celebrating Undas? It is a Filipino tradition celebrating both All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2) to pay respects and honor the memories of our dearly departed. For me, it also a way of showing our gratitude to our parents for bringing us into this world, no matter the circumstances we are born into. It is also a profound reminder that we are all connected to each and everyone.
We must have come from the first human beings on the earth at some point. Akin to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Allegorical as the story may be or not, in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, it is believed that they were the first parents from whence all human beings came from.
In this way, I think that Undas should be more of a celebration of life forever or eternal. It reminds me of what the celebrated Buddhist monk taught – that a birth and a death is just a continuation. We don’t disappear from life. Only our present form changes. He once asked his disciples to change Happy Birthday to Happy Continuation! Whether you believe in a heaven or hell after our “recycling” (death) or not, life ceases to be life if we are not to continue to live. We might as well cancel the word “life” from existence.
Let me know if you think I am making sense. But these are teachings handed to me and to countless others about the principles of the universe. I am forever grateful to the spiritual teacher who taught us these universal principles and who deigned to be a part of my life, short as it was. I am not saying I’m an expert. Far from it. But it does give me a considerable amount of calmness and peace of mind when I meditate or even just think about these concepts.
It is not for me to expound on these universal principles. Jesus was supposed to have spent 33 years of his “hidden” life studying metaphysics and the universe.
All I can say is that you may want to check out the books written by Thich Nhat Hanh. They are written in a simple, heart-felt but profound way. I am so thankful to have been introduced to his writings and thoughts by the only spiritual teacher who took the time and patence to impart these teachings to us.
So, this is why Undas, for me, is a celebration of life and a profound reminder of the unity of life.
As a postscript to Undas is Life – It is inspiring and a relief that songwriters like Fujii Kaze have lyrics that speak of spirituality and the same universal concepts that could very well be the truths that will calm and straighten the crazy world we are in right now.
Mabuhay tayo!
Tessie Ochangco Taylor
taylorteresita@gmail.com