Albert Herdianto Widjojo
After being tired of all the work matters so far, total rest is difficult to obtain, but today I enjoyed it. When I was sitting on the back porch this afternoon watching the shade of the mango tree, one of my girls gave me three starfruits (Averrhoa carambola).
Hmmm… I haven’t enjoyed this fruit for a long time. In the past, from the time I was a child to college, I often ate this fruit because there was a tree in our yard. At that time, I was more frequent and preferred to climb the tree if I wanted to eat the fruit. Yes, I eat the fruit on the tree while enjoying the wind blowing.
In ancient Javanese teachings, there was a wisdom associated with this fruit, which briefly said that we all, human beings, were “cah angon” – the Javanese language of the shepherd boy – who had a noble task which we must keep and run. We have been assigned by our mother to herding cattle; who thinks how to feed others with abundant love, and not foraging for himself. Bringing the mandate to be a leader who is ready to shelter, protect, and make his people live a happy life. And on the sidelines of his herding duties, he was also instructed to pick starfruit, which means having to climb starfruit trees which are known to be very slippery, especially if after the rain which is very difficult to climb. That is, in the midst of our busyness taking care of tiring worldly things, keep on learning. To gain knowledge and understanding that is not only memorized but lived, applied and become knowledge itself. Starfruit with five fins is a symbol that there are five essences of knowledge that we must keep in mind and live that so that our soul will become clean.
In an age when human souls, in general, have been torn apart, we are often too eager to be shepherds, so we forget to climb starfruit trees. We who love to direct, instruct, try to straighten others, but we have forgotten to care for the heart, strengthen the soul, and realize our authenticity. We have been darkened by our own ego, forgetting who we are, maybe we are wrong. We who prefer to look outward, to the mistakes of others, to everything that every day plagues our senses.
Prejudice, rumors of news, or oblique whispers that have locked our inner eyes to stare in the depths of ourselves. Then, when do we dare to read ourselves, see, and look for where this part of our soul is torn apart? Soon the afternoon will be approaching. Life will not last long… we are all heading for the twilight of life. And when the evening approaches, can we look at His face?
Hmmm… My girl reminds me to keep on learning for not just be a consultant and trainer for others! After all, starfruit has many healing properties in addition good to keep health.
Thank you, my girls.
I have only had that fruit once and it was certainly not ripe from the tree. Nice meaning behind it.
Usually, all the fruits and especially the starfruit that we buy at the store are not ripe from the trees. This fruit quickly withers and rots.
Nice 🙂 I guess than we must step back and let the starfruit speak!
I agree. I will step back to let starfruit speak.
Very good thought. give voice to those who don’t often get to speak…
Albert, first I am jealous, I love star fruit. But your text is moving and you are right about the reality of prejudice. We live upon this world for such a short time we have to strive to make the world a better place.
Well, if I am too detailed about starfruit then I will find it difficult to find a plot to write about his philosophy. Hehehe…
My friend, in truth, I have never tried this fruit before – I already saw him in the store – I need to try one
Please taste, my friend. The fruit tastes fresh
cah angon sounds like an interesting concept
The concept of “cah angon” was written as song lyrics to be sung all ages.
You got “cah angon” and I got “the wheels on the bus”
It seems like the song gives joy to everyone…
I haven’t heard it yet, but it has to be more deep than 99 bottles of beer
So, a hundred bottles can match it?
I don’t know, I still haven’t heard cah angon
I did not even know that there was such a fruit. I see that girls care very well for you.
The fruit is indeed typical of Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka, but as far as I know, its spread has been very widespread today.
My daughters are always very attentive to me.
The fruit is indeed typical of Indonesia, India, and Srilanka, but as far as I know, its spread has been very widespread today.
My daughters are always very attentive to me.
Great photo & post….I’ve never tried one….I probably wouldn’t like it though because I don’t normally like fruit. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Mommy.
I understand, I also know some friends who don’t like to eat fruit.
I’m glad I am not the only one! The taste might be good, but I have issues with the texture of most fruits.
Of course, you’re not the only one. Is that since your childhood?
Yes….it’s been that way since I was a child….I don’t like vegetables either lol (except for potatoes)
Oh really? Then how do you meet the need for natural fiber and vitamins?
I’ve seen these in the stores and have been tempted to try one. What do they taste like?
This fruit flavor is a combination of sour, sweet and fresh. Unfortunately, it quickly withers and rots if not eaten immediately.
That’s a lovely story, Albert. Your girls sound beautiful young ladies. I love starfruit, but don’t eat them very often. I should buy them more.
Thanks, My friend. Yes, of course, my girls are beautiful, as you are and all Queen, lady, girls, and every one.
Actually, my daughter knew that I was rather bored with that fruit, but she said, “It’s good to get rid of fatigue, maintain heart health, high blood pressure, etc.” So, I enjoyed it happily.
Wow you are definitely blessed with your girls, your starfruit and your knowledge just continues on an on. Good for you.
Yep! My girls are amazing blessings for me, Carol.
Also with you, a good friend who has introduced many new things to me.
Again, you are much too kind. I feel the same about you.
Don’t worry. I have borrowed that kindness without needing to return it, so I share it to you for free.