WINDS OF CHANGE, NEW IS WELCOME BUT NOT AT THE COST OF OLD

As India comes out of her past, it faces un-surmountable social challenges. While technology proliferates and living standards increase, resulting in cultural modernization and depletion of tradition, society now faces the risk of massive degradation as it neither has developed the  ‘scientific civility’ which is a boon of the west, nor it is in touch with it’s own roots, that has so richly nourished it for ages.

It is popularly believed that one should have the best of both the worlds. One must always possess the good points of both the extremes and simultaneously try to eschew their negatives. That’s the desired standard parameter. However Indian society seems to be heading in a diametrically opposite direction. It has neither acquired the rational intellectualism of the west, nor is it holding on to it’s own traditional socio-cultural roots that had been the fundamental cause of it’s sustained existence for several millennia.

Taking the more convenient route is always easier. That’s what the Indian new generation seems to be obeying these days. The spurt in the number of fast food joints ;  the breakdown of the joint family system and emergence of nuclear families ; the substantial increase in the number of anti-social crimes such as murder, rape, etc ; the ever increasing incidence of divorce cases reflect the direction of socio-cultural flow of our nation.

India has grown economically but the social psyche of it’s people has deteriorated even faster. Thus resources have increased, but distribution is much improper and human tendencies of greed and unethical practices have grown the most. It is a fallacy of the highest order. People now want everything faster, more easily, without any hard work or efforts and worst of all by hook or by crook.

The increase in vices among Indians is a fallout of their mental split. India seems to suffer from a social schizophrenia today. They seem to be mad after wealth and ape the rich and the famous. They want to go up in life without making any efforts.

Indians today by and large want to achieve the success of the developed western world. However they refuse to imbibe their work culture, punctuality, honesty, commitment- and all that makes up the a healthy social character. Religion and spirituality are taboos for the rich, upwardly mobile and young Indians. Nor do they practice science or the spirit of enquiry. Traditions are to be despised just because these come from past and not because of any rational enquiry.  They live mindlessly without any social responsibilities, and without any care and concern for the other.

If one quality were to sum up the nature of most modern Indians it is gross greed. Rich and poor, urbans and rurals, literates and illiterates, men and women, all are suffused with huge greed. The condition of life has turned very bad in rural India, property disputes are common household happenings wherein use of swords and guns to ‘settle scores’ is turning more common each day.

India has a long way to go in developing it’s people. It is an irony of the highest order that this country which has been the progenitor of some of the finest religions of the world is completely bereft of any moral quotient today. Politics is often said to be the last resort of the scoundrel. However in reality politics is a part of society. Even our leaders are immensely corrupt, no doubt then that common people here are loosing faith in goodness and righteousness.

Indians seem to be fastly loosing their touch with traditions. While it is true that traditions are at times regressive, however these have also sustained us for millennia. These can’t be dumped altogether.  

India presents an utterly gloomy social picture today. The people in power are filling their coffers, those who are not high up there are protesting not as a matter of principle but simply because they are being denied that opportunity. The reasons for this moral bankruptcy are not far to seek. Unlike the Europeans and the Americans, we have made no efforts  to build a new modern social paradigm suited to our local realities to sustain us. We got democracy and fundamental rights, on the platter, very easily. We don’t realize their value. In countries like France they have fought for centuries to get these rights.

For Indians, Democracy and the righteous order were synonymous to attaining freedom from British clutches. As soon as the Britishers were removed, it did not matter to them how were the Indian rulers ruling the country.  Indians are unhappy today because they have rejected the good of the old but accepted only bad of the new.

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HINDUS AND MUSLIMS – UNITED THEY STAND, DIVIDED THEY FALL

“AN EYE FOR AN EYE WILL MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD BLIND.”  (MAHATMA GANDHI) 

Hindus and Muslims are the two major religious communities of India. They differ not merely in their religious persuasion but also in social structure, forms of worships, zealous fervor and the manner in which they see themselves. South Asian Subcontinent (variably called the Indian Subcontinent) can be peaceful only when certain sections of Indian polity refrain from Hindutva ideology and Pakistan & Bangladesh lessen their obsession with religion. 

Hinduism stands for ‘Aum’ (The primordial sound of creation) and Islam for ‘Allah-O-Akbar’ (God is Great). The difference doesn’t end there. While Hinduism celebrates pluralism and diversity, Islam is for simplicity and austerity. While Hinduism professes equality of all religions, Islam believes purely in the sanctity of Prophet’s (Mohammad) words. Hinduism with it’s caste system and the practice of untouchability is traditionally near apartheid–istic, on the other hand Islam is perfectly democratic as all ‘followers’ are perceived equal under the eyes of God. Finally Muslims see themselves as Muslims – as followers of Prophet Mohammad, where as religious identity has traditionally been the last thing on the minds of Hindus – at the most they are Bhartiyas (Inhabitants of the Holy Land of their ancestors – Bharat).

The conflict between these two major communities has been historical – albeit in a more or less indirect manner. Right since the conquest of North India by Mohammad Ghori, Hindus and Muslims have fought political battles, more or less in veiled manner. The picture of medieval India was indeed a gloomy one as it represented a social conflict between the Hindus and Muslims. 

However beyond all these differences and hostility, there developed over the centuries a setting of mutual acceptance and accommodation. This mutuality gave way to a bonding. The development of Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh movements were the chief links of this bonding. Hindus and Muslims learnt to live with each other, and then became socially integrated.

Under the aegis of the great Mughal ruler Akbar, for the first time the foundations of a secular, welfare nation were laid in India. Though the subsequent Mughal rulers did much dis-service to this noble cause – but already a cultural nation - that incorporated the Islamic element while still remaining broadly Hindu - was foundationed.

Hindus have suffered at the cost of Muslims in medieval India. And now Muslims suffer at the cost of Hindus in modern India – like during the infamous demolition of Babri Mosque by Hindu Karsevaks at Ayodhya in December, 1992, and the subsequent communal riots in Mumbai or the much recent communal riots of Gujarat (in vengeance of burning of karsevaks in a train at Godhra) and so on –wherein Muslims have been the prime targets and at the receiving end. On the other hand, Hindu community is on the verge of extinction in the Muslim dominated Pakistan and Hindus now face deadly discrimination in Bangladesh.

However this endless path of hate and distrust will lead us only to death, destruction and despair. This gory method, this way of blood must be put to rest. Only in mutual adjustment, lies the peace of our nations and only by that peace will our countries actually grow out of poverty, hunger and illiteracy. 

Modern times have provided us with an excellent opportunity to set aside these differences. We have to grow economically. We have to fight hunger, starvation, illiteracy, poverty. Hindus and Muslims should live in peace with mutual respect – not because it’s a high moral ideal, but because they have no other option. Hate and distrust will only lead to stagnation, perpetuation of banckwardness, wars and communal riots.

Only when certain sections of Indian polity refrain from the Hindutva ideology and treats Hindus and Muslims perfectly equally;only when Pakistan gives up it’s hatred for India & stops sponsoring terrorism and gives more liberal touches to it’s society;only when Bangladesh comes back to it’s original constitutional ideal of secularism and prevents excesses being committed on it’s Hindu & Buddhist minorities–only then can South Asian region have some ray of hope.        

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HINDUISM – THE ESSENCE OF INDIA

Hinduism forms the fundamental cultural and social core of India. It symbolizes diversity – of beliefs, forms of worship, gods-goddesses and different aspects of life. India is culturally rich because of Hinduism, and Hinduism reflects the true spirit of Indian-ness. India and Hinduism are inextricably inter linked in a body-soul relationship. 

Hinduism – the religion of the Vedas – followed by about 80% of Indian population is the underlying basis of Indian culture and ethos. It is the cultural bedrock of Bhartiyata – the indigenous version of Indian nationalism. Hinduism is naturally universal and essentially inclusive. It’s chief hallmarks include – assimilation, synthesis, pluralism, tolerance and a respect – reverence for the other. 

Hinduism is a cultural force that predominates the Indian nation. It is an all encompassing, all round magnificent vision of the world and humanity. It is integrated humanism. Often it is more cultural than religious. It is intertwined with the lives of people and is flexible enough to incorporate a wide variety of thoughts, belief systems, ideologies and modes of thinking. A famous Hindu thinker has rightly said – “Hinduism is not a religion, it is a commonwealth of religions.” 

Hinduism is the sum and substance of Indian ness. The rich heritage of India is mostly Hindu. There is no aspect of India which is untouched by either cultural or religious Hinduism. Hinduism celebrates diversity – of life and views and allows total religious freedom.  

Genuine Hinduism cannot be pro – communal or anti – liberal. Thus we see, even Hindu minded parties like BJP and Shiv Sena talk about getting rid of pseudo secularism and not really making India a Hindu nation. Hindus usually do not ill treat minorities.  For Hinduism, different religions are but an extension of the diversity that already exists with the Hindu fold.

 Hinduism shares a very healthy relationship with almost all the religions of the world. Sikhism was born by bridging the differences between Hindus and Muslims. Similarly Sufism – the softer side of Islam took deep roots in India and Sufi saints still have many Hindu followers. Likewise – Parsis found a hospitable place to grow and develop in India. Christians, Jews and others too have shared their social space with Hinduism and adapted to Indian conditions.

Hinduism has been interpreted differently by the various political parties of India – while Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has championed the cause of Hindutva (a political version of Hinduism) and focused on helping preserve, protect and propagate Hindu culture and religion, on the other the ardently Secularist Indian National Congress (INC) has taken up the more subtle objectives of Hinduism – which include upliftment of the downtrodden (Samaj Sewa – social service), protection of the weak (religious and cultural minorities) and nation building. 

Hinduism has been however historically handicapped by the caste system – and it’s grossly inhuman manifestation- the practice of Untouchability - which is rightly called the most serious blot on Indian society. Over the centuries several social movements have waged wars against these evils and they have achieved partial success. The future of caste system is dark. As the society grows, urbanization increases and education proliferates – caste system is bound to dwindle. 

The religions of Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism are included within the Hindu fold. These come within the larger Hindu brotherhood. These have enriched Hinduism, reformed it and fought it’s evils. These are added dimensions to Hindu thought. Buddhism has indeed taken Indian thought to the entire Eastern and South Eastern Asia.

Hinduism enriches a Hindu – culturally, socially and morally. It provides him with identity. It also gives him a sense of heritage, philosophy, morality and thinking. His Hinduism is beyond dogmas, away from sectarianism or fanaticism and is neither fully spiritualistic nor totally materialistic. It is away from narrowness and weaknesses, and transcends the extremes. Hinduism is indeed the true socio – cultural wealth of a Hindu. It is unimaginable to think of India and Hinduism dichotomously.

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THE REAL GOD & GOD-HOOD

While almost all religions of the world have tried to personify GOD in some way or the other, the reality could be that GOD is in fact the cessation of boundaries and end of localized identification.

The concept of GOD is not there to make us superstitious, dogmatic, puritan or unduly religious. He is not be unnecessarily feared or slavishly obeyed. Though most of the religions have tried to personify HIM, some even believing that HE can actually re-incarnate in human form, the fact it seems is that GOD is in reality the ultimate state of being which is beyond the constraints of time and space – which can be achieved by humans only if they follow the right path in the right earnest.

GOD means dissolution of self, GOD is the elimination of selfishness. GOD does not come, we don’t reach GOD. HE just happens. GOD lies as the ultimate reward of meditation. GOD happens when during meditation subject gets completely absorbed into the object, so much so that one can not find the difference. The two have become one, nay not become one, they have just happened. 

GOD is the end of duality. HE is the potency of Cosmos. HE is the ultimate expression of the power of totality. Some have called HIM as pure and unconditional love. It means the same – HE stands for union, integration and the sense of universality. An unethical man may have focus, concentration and he may be an expert in his field and very successful in life. In some sense, he has the conditions of ‘GOD -HOOD’ – when he works he looses sense of time and space and goes into the flow. But that alone is not going to take him too far. He is bound to come down in this life or in subsequent lives. Only those habits, practices and behaviours which do not satisfy the personal ego and rather which help others can eventually lead one to GOD – HOODS. 

GOD – HOOD is simply the end of conditions, restrictions, limitations, boundaries and freedom from all types of narrowness and sense of self. It is the most natural yet the ultimate state of existence. To achieve GOD – HOOD, one has to follow ethics, values and principles and cultivate a universal outlook, unconditional love and selflessness.

Conditions, restrictions, limitations and boundaries have to completely go. These have to go from the conscious and unconscious minds. These have to go from all aspects of one’s behaviours. It’s not like you improve on a single front and stay the same on the other. It has to be inclusive, all encompassing, all round and holistic. 

The path to GOD – HOOD is laden with ultimate complications, with the most deadly and deceptive delusions, and earthful of challenges. One has to follow his conscience, the universal values, the tradition and all that will take him closer to his goal. GOD – HOOD is neither worldly detachment nor withdrawal. GOD HOOD is the accomplishment of the ultimate. It happens with co-culmination of wisdom and right attitude and at the ripe time.

Religions are indicators. They show us the path. Spiritualities belonging to different religions try to explain the laws and the broad guidelines to achieve GOD – HOOD. Most religions believe in life after death. They also believe that you reap as you sow. If you have done good deeds, you will be rewarded. If you have done bad deeds, then you will be made to suffer. However these seem to be conditionalities. These are paths to existential cycles. These are the games that creation plays. These contribute to the journey, the journey gets bigger.

GOD – HOOD can give us the best in this world and also in the other world. We can earn wisdom and wealth and protect ourselves from deadly situations created by wicked men and unruly nature. It should be our prerogative to come closer to GOD – HOOD and that too in this very life time. The stepping stones to GOD – HOOD also include coming closer to perfection, cleanliness, orderliness, sense of proportion and sense of moderation. Universal values like truthfulness, honesty, industriousness, sincerity, loyalty must also be pursued. Though it’s difficult to pursue these values in the contemporary world, but that is the challenge before us – how to manage with these ethics even in these tough times.

In the end, it can be said that attaining GOD – HOOD must not mean becoming the master of universe, rather it should imply becoming inseparable with the existence. Miracles, supernatural powers, mastery of elements – these are peripheral incidents in the voyage of GOD – HOOD.

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