India has produced many great philosophies. From the Upanishads to Osho, from Yoga to Jugaad, from karma karo, phal ki chinta mat karo to jo hoga dekha jayega. Yet, hidden somewhere between the second and third peg of whisky lies perhaps the greatest spiritual state ever discovered by mankind. It is called ‘Sannu ki’.

For the uninitiated, Sannu ki loosely translates to “Mujhe kya”. In small-time comedy clubs, this is often explained as “what goes out of my father’s pocket”, which is funny but spiritually inaccurate.

Mujhe kya is defensive. Sannu ki is enlightened.Mujhe kya comes from frustration. Sannu ki comes from awareness.Mujhe kya is said angrily. Sannu ki is said after the ice in the glass has melted.

Osho once said, “The moment you drop seriousness, life becomes a play.” He probably didn’t add, “preferably with soda on the side,” but the intent was clearly there. Because what is sanyas if not the refined, socially acceptable version of third-peg detachment—without drinking?

The art and science of Sannu ki

Every Indian knows there is a precise spiritual progression in any evening gathering where alcohol is served as a social lubricant. The higher the concentration, the earlier enlightenment arrives.

First peg: I remember that day.Second peg: I love you all.Third peg: I forget everything.Fourth peg: I forgive everyone.Fifth peg: I start giving........

© Free Press Journal