Joy of living Quote by Alain Daniélou
““In Shivaite tradition, the god's companions are described as a troupe of freakish, adventurous, delinquent and wild young people, who prowl in the night, shouting in the storm, singing, dancing and ceaselessly playing outrageous tricks on sages and gods. They are called Ganas, the "Vagabonds", corresponding to the Cretan Korybantes and the Celtic Korrigans (fairies' sons). Like the Sileni and Satyrs, some of them have goats' or birds' feet. The Ganas mock the rules of ethics and social order. They personify the joy of living, courage and imagination, which are all youthful values. They live in harmony with nature and oppose the destructive ambition of the city and the deceitful moralism which both hides and expresses it. These delinquents of heaven are always there to restore true values and to assist the "god-mad" who are persecuted and mocked by the powerful. They personify everything which is feared by and displeases bourgeois society, and which is contrary to the good morale of a well-policed city and its palliative concepts.””
About This Quote
A description of the mythic Ganas, wild youthful spirits embodying joy, imagination, and rebellion against oppressive order.
In simple terms: Youthful rebellion celebrates joy and imagination.
Key Takeaway
Embrace playful rebellion against rigid norms.
Themes
mythology
rebellion
joy
imagination
youth
Mood
playful
inspirational
Type
mythic
cultural commentary
When to use this quote
- creative expression
- social critique
- personal freedom
Key Concepts
cultural studies
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can youthful energy challenge societal norms?
- What values do the Ganas represent today?
A Different Perspective
Myths may romanticize chaos over constructive change.
