My young friend, let us call him ND, who considers me as his friend, philosopher and misguide recently bought a book on the recommendation of a well wisher and could not understand some esoteric stuff in it. He promptly rang me up and asked me if I would read the book and explain to him the portions that he found difficult and I readily agreed. I however insisted that he would have to arrange for Guru Dakshina to which he readily agreed.
The book duly arrived and has just come back after my usual rite of getting books covered in plastic to extend their shelf life.
Just before the book returned from the binder, the Guru Dakshina also arrived.
Before I proceed further, some explanation to a Urdu word Aflatoon. Originally, it meant Plato, yes, the Greek philosopher. In Mumbai, it is used to describe sweet gentle souls who are great team players but, who will not participate in the more masculine pursuits like pub crawling, gambling etc. In other words Wimps.
Aflatoon is also the name for a famous sweet made and sold in Muslim bakeries of Bombay, the most famous of which are Suleiman Usman and Zam Zam Bakeries.
ND is well aware of my fondness for both uses of the world Aflatoon. There are many mutual friends whom I call Aflatoon and I also enjoy the occasional indulgence of the sweet.
So, the Guru Dakshina turned out to be:
Guru is very happy. Shishya’s dakshina will not go waste.
Awesome…why have I never eaten this?
Hopefully, you will soon.
I tried the link to Guru Dakshina but got the message “This site can’t be reached”.
I think the word aflatoon would describe me very well.
If you insist Nick, if you insist.
That dish looks absolutely delicious. You are so lucky to live in a place that supplies all the food I love.
XO
WWW
You have to now visit my place. We are just warming up to Diwali and the goodies have already started to arrive. We also make a special concoction to help avoid indigestion during our festival. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/unique-deepavali-legiyam-deepavali-marundhu-marunthu-antidote-digestion-problems-diwali-2019-south-india-tamil-nadu-6086723/
you do get into some interesting situations – that always seem to include “food” – and now you are munching on such a food, or storing it up to nibble at bit by bit … enjoy
Catherine de Seton recently posted..Painting and Baking
Like for some people greatness is thrust on them, food is thrust on me by well wishers.
I, too, was unable to access the link site. I did a net search on the term and found the meaning. Glad you rec’d your due as all looks quite tasty.
Joared recently posted..U.S. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC SURVIVES TO THRIVE
Having received my due, my problem now is to satisfy the expectation of my student!
I must try this Aflatoon sweet thing, I never knew about it more than a decade I’m here in Mumbai! … Do share the name of the book and excerpt too please, I too will learn something new…
If you go to Mohd. Ali Road, or to Minar e Masjie, you cannot miss these two shops. The book is https://www.amazon.in/Immortal-Talks-Shunya/dp/8193305205