Believe It Or Not
Hinduism is proof of several beliefs, idolism, and rituals since its inception, and, these beliefs have only flourished dimensionally with time.
Believe it or not, civilization might be modernized now, by getting access to democratic views, technology-driven data, rational science, and a promising future, however, there are a few things that weigh a lot more than reality, and will continue to overshadow our intellect side. Call them myths, tales, or fear, everyone has their own share of it.
As an act of following these age-old traditions, rationality has always taken a back seat.
We hear tales through mythical opinions, we start following religious practices on the basis of timeworn myths, and we fear the most to revolt against them. The only thing constant in this process is the mind, which has never been able to divorce itself from unbalanced thinking.
Perhaps can’t blame anyone, since most of us have been following rituals and rites because we are told that we must follow them. But most of us are unaware of them. Isn’t it? Since no one made an attempt to explain to us the rationale, and the logic behind the core of these religious practices, let’s blow away the dust of ignorance and grow together today.
How Much Is Too Much? Do You Know Where To Stop?
A philosopher, logician, and public intellectual; Bertrand Russell once highlighted his opinion on religious beliefs, as he claimed that religion is based on fear, and that fear breeds cruelty.
In one of his lectures in 1927 about “Why I am not a Christian”, Russell expressed his opinion on religious belief with enough clarity, as he quoted: “Religion is based primarily and mainly upon fear. It is partly the terror of the unknown and the wish to feel that you have a kind of elder brother who will stand by you in all your troubles and disputes. Fear is the basis of the whole thing — fear of the mysterious, fear of defeat, fear of death”.
Well, maybe it is because we don’t know our limits or perhaps we believe in the repercussions, a little too much. The cruelest thing in this process is, letting your unconscious mind become unhealthily corrupt. Hence, the day people stop fearing religion, this world will become a beautiful and sane place yet again.
With a total population of 1.417 Billion and 78.9% alone Hindus in India, it’s nearly impossible to implant logic and rationality. Even more brutal is to erase the “FEAR” that binds the whole of humanity today. Hence, the question, “How to Transpire Logic and Rational Thinking into Today’s World?’ deserves to be addressed and highlighted.
In Hinduism, the Bhagwat Gita, the only proof of God’s existence, also doesn’t promote religion as a fanatic practice. Don’t get me wrong if I pronounce it as a fanatic practice, but, don’t we really need to pause for a minute and think about what kind of fear we are allowing to settle in our minds?
I am not against religious practices, again, I am just trying to make some sense here, by requesting people to put their unbalanced minds aside for a minute and seek answers. Why do we practice a particular ritual? Does it have any relevance in today’s world? Are there any scientific reasons for performing rituals? Are you able to back up your answers with rationality?
Ask yourself, a few questions today:
- You believe in God, but do you need to prove it by doing puja first thing in the morning? If not, will your God become upset? Who told you about this religious practice?
- Attempting to offer prayers at a temple during the menstrual cycle is a criminal practice. Is it forbidden to respect your own reproduction cycle and consume ‘Prasadam’ during this time?
- Fasting for your husband’s long life, on Karva Chauth, can be seen as a day of celebration when you symbolize and extend your love and respect for the spouse. However, thinking of fasting as a ritual that alone is responsible for adding grace years to his life, is this the only truth?
- Who introduced you to all the religious practices you have been doing? Did you see your elders doing it or is it something you want to follow, with or without any fear embedded?
- Do you feel sound or restricted after practicing rituals?
- There is a difference between being spiritual and being religious, which one are you headed towards?
- Does a wrong happening in your life equate to skipping your daily prayers?
No religion is omniscient, that’s the fundamental truth. Accepting that we often are ignorant about religious rituals and developing a free mind to understand the right approach, is the only way forward.
THINK.
The article is based on personal opinion and has no intention to hurt any religion or the people who follow religious rituals.
If you liked my point of view and found any trace of rationality, please do drop a comment. Thank You.
Stay Tuned for more thoughts and truth on Hindu Mythology!
