I too like most boys go to temple. In conformity to general rituals in prayers, I just imitated. But what kept me going to the temple was mainly for the 'sakra satham', 'vadai' (indian delicacy) and banana. Till the age of mid forties, I was much involved in temple and social activities. It is at this period of time that I started studying seriously on various aspects of Hinduism.
Every enquiry that I made reflects varying conflicting ideas, every book contradicts on any one subject matter. By this time the burning questions of "what is correct" and "who is correct" began to take form in me. Based on my own studies, I concluded that, there is no one authoritative standing body in the matter of religion to ascertain that it is 'final and conclusive'.
This is largely due, as most authors are free to interpret or to write commentaries as one interprets. If the author is of some standing in society, and or reflects a religious aura around him, than it is readily accepted. This acceptance would invariably be transformed into another sub religion within the main religion. I also observed that the ritual practises varies very much dependant on the knowledge of the priest, location, type of crowd, how much is the fee, important person or not, etc...
In retrospect all the vedas, scriptures, and the puranas are written by various schools of thought in India. Many commentaries and commentaries over a commentary had been published based on the same subject. This is where the original flavour had been coloured beyond irreversible damage.
This than is the beginning of a conflict of ideas. It may seem alright for the theologians; but how would these books be seen by the casual reader, or by the one who wants to 'KNOW' what is correct.
To me it is a migraine and a brain storming exercise. Secondly all doctrines are not substantiated with any evidence of tangible or existing proofs. They are always based on one simple equation; i.e. It is not knowable, only the selected few knows, do not question the doctrines.
It is at this juncture, that I began to be critical on superstitious beliefs, rituals, taboos, outdated practices, mythological stories, commentary's, cults, astrology, numerology, palmistry, mantras, talisman, coloured strings. (by the way I am fairly able to interpret and read palms, numerology, and conduct of certain prayer ceremonies).
By late forties, I am positive that the essence and seriousness of rituals being conducted to images, departed souls, marriages and myriad other occasions had it's sole and intended purpose of controlling the weak minds, by creating fear to "the high power" and thus to exercise control. Invariably and with utmost sadness and shame that money is primarily the root factor.
I have abstained myself in the belief of superstitious or dubious practises, and religious rituals that I consider do not carry any meaningful or practical purposes. Certainly these rituals are propped up by a facade of imagery and other agencies that provides auxiliary services to support these rituals.
Facts are Facts,
and will not disappear on account of your likes - Jawarharlal Nehru.
A casual observer would be aware that the 'way of life' is eroding from its original reverence of 'bhakti' (piousness) towards the almighty to ritualism.
Adulteration and additions to these practises by both the ordained and not ordained had made way for 'commercial bhakti' to seep in.
Now it is more or less a side show or a carnival. It is this part of the 'way of life' that I am reluctant to conform to.
After all each individual life is an entity by itself and it is most precious.
One must live to full blossom as one deems right.
Every enquiry that I made reflects varying conflicting ideas, every book contradicts on any one subject matter. By this time the burning questions of "what is correct" and "who is correct" began to take form in me. Based on my own studies, I concluded that, there is no one authoritative standing body in the matter of religion to ascertain that it is 'final and conclusive'.
This is largely due, as most authors are free to interpret or to write commentaries as one interprets. If the author is of some standing in society, and or reflects a religious aura around him, than it is readily accepted. This acceptance would invariably be transformed into another sub religion within the main religion. I also observed that the ritual practises varies very much dependant on the knowledge of the priest, location, type of crowd, how much is the fee, important person or not, etc...
In retrospect all the vedas, scriptures, and the puranas are written by various schools of thought in India. Many commentaries and commentaries over a commentary had been published based on the same subject. This is where the original flavour had been coloured beyond irreversible damage.
This than is the beginning of a conflict of ideas. It may seem alright for the theologians; but how would these books be seen by the casual reader, or by the one who wants to 'KNOW' what is correct.
To me it is a migraine and a brain storming exercise. Secondly all doctrines are not substantiated with any evidence of tangible or existing proofs. They are always based on one simple equation; i.e. It is not knowable, only the selected few knows, do not question the doctrines.
It is at this juncture, that I began to be critical on superstitious beliefs, rituals, taboos, outdated practices, mythological stories, commentary's, cults, astrology, numerology, palmistry, mantras, talisman, coloured strings. (by the way I am fairly able to interpret and read palms, numerology, and conduct of certain prayer ceremonies).
By late forties, I am positive that the essence and seriousness of rituals being conducted to images, departed souls, marriages and myriad other occasions had it's sole and intended purpose of controlling the weak minds, by creating fear to "the high power" and thus to exercise control. Invariably and with utmost sadness and shame that money is primarily the root factor.
I have abstained myself in the belief of superstitious or dubious practises, and religious rituals that I consider do not carry any meaningful or practical purposes. Certainly these rituals are propped up by a facade of imagery and other agencies that provides auxiliary services to support these rituals.
Facts are Facts,
and will not disappear on account of your likes - Jawarharlal Nehru.
A casual observer would be aware that the 'way of life' is eroding from its original reverence of 'bhakti' (piousness) towards the almighty to ritualism.
Adulteration and additions to these practises by both the ordained and not ordained had made way for 'commercial bhakti' to seep in.
Now it is more or less a side show or a carnival. It is this part of the 'way of life' that I am reluctant to conform to.
After all each individual life is an entity by itself and it is most precious.
One must live to full blossom as one deems right.
~ ~ an expression of free thought~~
1 comment:
Very well expressed, something for all of us to ponder.
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