Tag: religion

  • Faith – it’s good to have some

    Faith – it’s good to have some

    Last Saturday, I was searching through the Kindle Store to read something. I came across a very very tiny book called “Kind of Hindu” by Mindy Kailng. It’s a very short story of 10-12 pages about her reconnection with the faith, religion and its role in her life. When her daughter was born, she felt it necessary to find out what’s her relationship with her roots, her culture and values which she inherited from her parents. She has penned this very personal journey of thoughts very nicely. I believe at some point in life, everyone takes this path to ascertain their bearings about these aspects of life. 

    Incidentally, last week, I came across an article by Dr. Anil Awchat about his relationship with faith, rituals and religion in one of his books which I am currently reading. What could have been the chances of me coming across these two similar things back to back? Even ‘Why I am a Hindu’ by Mr. Shashi Tharoor has been on my TBR for many days. This fundamental question about ones identity pushes one on this journey. For some, it’s a conscious choice and for others life forces it upon them. Things which one sees, reads and listens to, shapes the thoughts. Every new day brings a better understanding of oneself. My journey keeps taking me back to the touch points revolving around festivities, rituals and other events I witnessed and enjoyed growing up.

    Rituals – Why are they must-haves?

    I remember my childhood when we used to recite some chants daily. These chants are traditionally recited in almost every Hidnu household at dusk when the lamps are lit at the shrine at our home. Back in those days, I wasn’t even able to pronounce the words, understanding and knowing what they mean was a distant thing. I was growing happily at home enjoying all the festivities and witnessing my grandfather offering daily prayers and poojas. Whatever piety I had then was just because of these observations and experiences. 

    By the time I gained a bit of autonomy and freedom of movement, I started my own journey. I used to visit a particular Ganesh Temple or sit in the Kalaram Temple in Nashik. It wasn’t the “journey to search for the truth” at all. These visits just the routines which calmed my mind back then. It led to discussing things with a few of my friends who had this inclination. And the journey continued. Even today, I don’t think I am on THE journey of search. But I read, I ponder and sometimes write about it.

    Faith – Fluid and evolving power

    I ask the question to myself which Mr. Tharoor asked, “Why am I a Hindu?” And then it goes on and on with many follow up questions. Is it just because I am not born in a family with some other cultural or religious moorings? What do I believe in? Does god even exist? Does my questioning the existence of God make me a non-Hindu? And so on. The search for the answers is still going on. It’s just the beginning. I have even heard that one may take many births to understand the answer to just one of these questions. Learned people say that ancient scriptures have answers to all the questions. Yet, I feel it is difficult to dig them out. 

    On the other hand, the things which I have a strong faith in are the values and hardwork. This journey has definitely evolved the power of my faith on these things. Today, I find rituals and festivities as a way to reassure oneself. This reassurance is important. I feel they give a sense of belonging as your kith and kin gather around that common thing. And who can ignore the delicious food prepared on the occasion. If you ‘believe’ in being atheist, enjoy them for the food and fun. By the way, being atheist is a faith in a way. So, just chose your way, and be – Faithful.

    This post is a part of the Blogchatter Half Marathon. Read my earlier story here.

  • On religion

    On religion

    PicsArt_08-13-07.16.20Knowing something about Egypt, a country which is far away and boasts one of the ancient civilizations of this world was always on my mind. Recently, I found an anthology of essays written by an Egyptian author of a best seller, ‘Cairo trilogy’ and a Nobel laureate, Naguib Mahfouz. This Anthology, “The meaning of civilization” comprises essays on culture, religion and politics.

    One quote in particular, “Religion is neither a science nor a branch of knowledge, it is a spiritual teaching whose essence becomes manifest through social intercourse, behaviour and vision.” is from the essay published on 8th June 1974, ‘Religion and school.’ Even though, this essay particularly talks about the way schools in Egypt were engaged in teaching the Holy Quran in the 70s, this sentence resonated with me.

    Drawing a parallel between the religious journeys of Egypt and the Indian sub continent,  both have witnessed multifarious changes in religion and philosophy throughout their respective histories. In the case of the Indian sub continent, there were witnessed the glorious ages of Hinduism during the Vedic era,  the rise of new ways of life in the form of Buddhism and Jainism, the integration of Parsis and sustained Islamic rule. Not to mention the deep impact the Colonial era also had on the religious equation of this country.

    In today’s world, we witness the madness happening around the globe in the name of religion. Religious fanaticism raises its ugly head in every part of the world with various such groups preaching their own brand of extreme religion. Consequently the less fanatic or hardlined individual is clueless as to what his/her religion is all about. We are witnessing a total disconnect from spirituality as we lack a vision as a religious person, religion has now been  reduced to a few rituals. The social intercourse through which religions evolved and provided individuals with the opportunity of a fulfilling and spiritual journey, has now halted. This blind ritual-centric behaviour has turned us away from this journey. 

    I agree with what Mr. Mahfouz is saying, religion is not a subject to be taught at school. It should be handed over to a child from his/her family with proper care and the freedom to be a theologist. One needs to study the religion and their personal relationship with the idea of God. Religion is not something absolute like 2+2 = 4. There is always a study involved, following the interpretation which leads to realisation. I remember the verse from a Marathi abhang by Sant Sohirobanath (18th century saint of Nath Sampraday, from the Sawantwadi area of Southern Konkan, Maharashtra)

    संत संगतीने समज, आणून मनी पुरते उमज,

    अनुभवावीण मान हालवू नको रे।।

    It literally means “first you learn from someone knowledgeable, ponder upon those learnings and don’t accept unless and until you experience the truth behind those thoughts.”

    One should follow these steps to understand and believe in something. Religion is not a thing which you should accept blindly. The attitude, “बाबा वाक्यम् प्रमाणं।” (The words of the elders are the ultimate truth) will lead to a disastrous life. So let all of us start being observant, think about the teachings of our elders, meditate and ponder the meaning with a fine tooth comb and then accept whatever is agreeable to you. Let’s try to make religion a spiritual again.

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