The happiness of learning a new word, or, why I now understand Posh Spice and Katie Holmes better.

There is an exquisite kind of intellectual happiness that comes from understanding the world better. This can arise from something as small as a single fact, a quotation, or even a new word.

Recently I came across a word that answered a question that has puzzled me for a long time, ever since I started my book Power Money Fame Sex: Why are people so eager merely to come into the presence of a famous person?

Most days I work for a while in a pizza shop, Pisa Pizza, on 83rd and 3rd. The décor is dominated by two poster-size photographs, at least fifteen years old, of the shop owner standing beside John Travolta, who apparently wandered into Pisa Pizza one day.

I’ve never understood it – what’s the big deal? Exactly what do people feel that they’re gaining from these glancing interactions? Why are they so excited to see John Travolta?

Answer: darshan.

Darshan is a Sanskrit Hindu term meaning “sight” or “auspicious viewing.” Darshan is the beneficial glow that comes from being in the presence of a great spiritual leader (or holy place or object). Merely looking at such a person – and even better, receiving his or her glance – bestows a blessing.

In Vikram Chandra’s fantastic novel set in India, Sacred Games, I noticed, people also sought darshan of a rich and famous mobster.

So when people crowd into a store because Jennifer Aniston is inside, or follow Woody Allen down the street for blocks, or stand outside in the freezing cold to see Barack Obama speak instead of watching him on TV, it’s because they want darshan.

I myself don’t have much feeling for darshan, but it’s obvious how eagerly many people seek it out.

For instance, I clerked for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and I can testify that people get a mighty darshan from a Supreme Court Justice.

Justices are treated with great deference and respect, but by contrast, TV and movie stars – especially those considered very friendly and accessible – sometimes seem overwhelmed by people’s desire for darshan.

I was particularly interested to learn that with darshan, eye contact with the revered person conveys particular grace. It absolutely seems true that a mere eye-lock can bring about some kind of transfer of power.

If you’re a saint or guru, you aren’t depleted by the act of making eye contact. But this transfer may explain why powerful or famous people sometimes insist that others not make eye contact with them – a demand that always struck me as particularly bizarre and puzzling. People seeking darshan drain them of their energy.

Just a few months ago, Page Six (a renowned New York City gossip column) reported that “Victoria Beckham styled Katie Holmes for an upcoming Harper’s Bazaar cover, and during the 300-plus person shoot in Los Angeles, the production team was told not to look either of them in the eye.”

When I read that item, I wondered, “What’s that about?” Now I know. Darshan. It feels good to have that figured out.

Comments

[Jenny]

I find myself very out of place when people start talking about celebrities, particularly since I'm not from this country. I do think I had one case of this, I was lucky enough to briefly meet the Dalai Lama and I definitely felt that was an absolutely amazing experience.

[Nedra Weinreich]

That is a great word. It reminds me of Kramer's word "kavorka" (from Seinfeld). But I think that Katie Holmes/Victoria Beckham's reason has to do with their Scientology beliefs about the power of eye contact. I've read that Tom Cruise also inserts a clause in his contracts that the crew can't look him in the eye.

[Willie Hewes]

Thanks, that is very eye-opening.

Do you think that explains the whole autograph thing as well? Does signing your picture (if your a celebrity) bestow some of your power into it? And how come this ludicrous belief is so widespread among people who probably can't even formulate it clearly?

Interesting.

[Mayura]

"...a Supreme Court Justice has some mighty darshan."

Darshan is a verb not an adjective/charecteristic.

I enjoy reading you every day, pursuing the links and reading the books you recommend.

Thank you.

[Melissa Kirsch]

G--
I just got caught up on the blog and enjoyed it so much. I just wanted to tell you to check out BG magazine! The piece (and you) look(s) great.

xom

[Tara Long Lawner]

No way! Pisa Pizza is my favorite place for chicken parm heroes, right around the corner from where I used to live (83rd between 2nd and 3rd).

Is this related to the darshan concept? I'm so happy to connect you (a writer i admire) with a place I used to live near and visit regularly!

Good work, I enjoy your blog very much.

[Will]

I'm a bit skeptical of this explanation. My son recently met Sheryl Crow, while in Miami at South Beach. The encounter was entirely accidental and began when my son spotted her and said (in a loud voice)to his friend, "Hey! There's Lance Armstrong's ex-girlfriend." She walked over to him and replied "Is that all you know me for?" There was a surprisingly pleasant and brief talk afterward. I'm not sure what blessing there is in that except I'm grateful that Ms. Crow didn't take offense.

[Gabrielle]

I fess up to sending darshan-inducers to the end of the line when they try to use their darshan to curry favors. Fame doesn't impress me much. I much prefer to meet people who have something to say and opinions of their own.

[curious]

Why does a rich, famous writer work at a pizza place? Is this research for your next book?

[Cynthia Clinton]

This was an interesting post. I haven't been particularly big on meeting famous people either. I don't think it's worth all the hub-bub. I do have to bring up this question, though...

Why isn't eye contact draining for a guru or a saint, but it's draining for a celebrity? Is it because one has more interior depth than the other? Is it because one *believes* it's not draining and the other does? Is it because a celebrity thinks they have more to lose than the guru?

Inquiring minds want to know lol