For the unacquainted, varan bhaat is a dish of lentils and rice. The dish in and off itself is far from unique, as virtually all cultures have their own culinary equivalent of it. It acquires importance therefore, because it is a symbolic representation of the absurd. The most definitive characteristic of varan bhaat is in fact, it’s lack of any discernible characteristics. What can be said, however, is that a significant amount of mental preparation is required before one can be deemed worthy of consuming varan bhaat. All thoughts of excess and decadence are to be banished, making way for temperance, tranquility, and an innate appreciation for the ‘simple’ pleasures of life. For believe you me, if you can appreciate the ‘simplicity’ of varan bhaat, you can make the best out of anything. There are of course, defectors from the purist vein of thought...evil-doers who will use any available means while attempting to taint the holiest of all dietary staples. These cunning beings have existed throughout the course of human civilization, luring us away from the righteous path with their apocalyptic desires and more importantly, their excessively salted, spicy, and flavorful varan bhaat. History dictates that the balance of power will always vacillate between good and evil, between right and wrong, between anxiety and serenity, between love and hate, between heaven and hell, and most importantly, between flavor and blandness. Our humanity is defined by our ability to embrace this vacillation, recognizing that every time we drop our heads in shame and abandon our taste buds, we begin to gather the strength to fight for them once more.