A Discourse on Religion

In one of the recent Bollywood movies, "Oh My God", the protagonist is asked by an interviewer: "what is religion to you? and he replies, "Religion is which makes people helpless or a terrorist." There's another important thought mentioned: "We're a 'God-Fearing' Society and not a 'God-Loving one". 

No doubt, the topic in itself is much controversial and the penned thoughts may only add fuel to the fire.

I am from a devout Hindu household - learned to bow before the many Gods & Goddesses, celebrate all the religious festivals with pomp and fervour - but I was also taught few simple ideas at my home, my school and probably more in the environment that I grew up in, which I believe is far more important:

1. "Humanity" always comes first .

2. Trying to be a better version of yourself - to fathom the reason of one's existence, and also to chart which path will lead you to it 

I truly learnt to appreciate the Value of Education as I started to navigate in this world - wherein I believe the environment has been to an extent "polluted" (for want of a better word) with an "extremist ideology". The incessant need to have a radical opinion or to react radically seems to have engulfed us; "Balance" or the much forgotten "Middle Path" seems to be an outdated idea.

I believe Education is a "double-edged" sword - true and valuable education can ignite a human's soul, can nourish the mind and above all help to grow a conscience; however, an education fraught with narrowness and divisiveness can tarnish the student's soul for life. The role of a Teacher / Guru / Monk / Maulvi / Priest was always the most important role in shaping not only the future of the students but our society and as well as the world. 

That's why I believe, it's time for this world and especially a diverse country like India to adopt a culture of "uniform knowledge code" - in which students learn the various subjects and also a dollop of all religions. Some would argue, why to include religion at all, but I believe, religion is a part of our culture and the same cannot be ignored - when young minds come across it and are taught how to think and question the same, who knows maybe someday we'll only make it better!

I also advocate: Uniformity will not only be in the "code of knowledge" but also uniformity in ensuring a "great mix of of all religions' students"; and finally all schools will have allegiance to one and only cause: "........................ " (Humanity? True Learning?... I am yet to figure it out - but definitely not narrow minded religion); and yes this is for each and every school in India or better still the World!

I know it's easier said that done, but who's stopped us from thinking, hoping and acting upon the idea - you never know what you can can ignite - the world works in mysterious ways, right?

Religion and Politics have long been intertwined and don't fret about it thinking that the same only persists in India - the so called developed "West" is as much engulfed in the same. Seeking votes in the name of being an "Orthodox / Conservative" follower or being an "Liberal" is as much a reality as is seeking in the name of being a Hindu or a Muslim.

There was a time when human beings united over religion / faith, which was thread which strung different people together to fight against oppression / tyranny / injustice and helped establish a norm in the society which gradually became a part of our fabric. However, it seems the same fabric which brought people together has ripped apart the world into a divisive, fragmented one. 

The only thing which is constant in this world is: "Change" - now we need to introspect as to whether we keep practicing religion in the same way our forefathers did. Do we evolve, as is the way of nature, into something more meaningful and relevant in today's societal norms, is the big question.

Humans have come a long way - from a fight to survive, in a planet full of uncertainties - we have "civilized" our lives into a rather comfortable one. That has allowed us the privilege of indulging in practices which we believe will satisfy our higher needs (e.g. Self-Actualization in the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs); however it's about time, how we recognize our "true need" - not the one which society expects out of us and let go of practices / belief (maybe the religion we're expected to follow?), and start to practice something rather "simple" - which neither helps us "changing our unforeseen future" nor "leads us to an unforeseen 'jannat' ", but helps us lead a life of abundant humanity and experience bliss now and today!

... before you start being derisive about the word simple; here goes: