Path to Nirvana

India is proud to be called the land of sages. Roots of major world religions are embedded in this holy country. India never attacked anyone, but sent messengers of peace to wary nations. It produced great warriors and sages who protected their motherland with their courage, penance and austerity.

Faith in religion can be seen at the banks of Sangam of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the imaginary Saraswati river during the holy Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. This is the time when millions throng this place and government spends crores of rupees providing basic necessities to the pilgrims.

I do not question someone's faith, but I do feel bad to see money being drained on something very superstitious rather than being spent on people who are in dire need.

A Shivling is washed daily with pure milk, curd and ghee but who cares about providing a drop of milk to the malnutritioned populace. A beggar requesting alms is shooed away like a stray dog but a dead stone is shown all love and mercy. Helping someone in need is the greatest act of mankind. Only a human being is capable enough to love his fellow beings and help them, which no other animal on this planet is.

What I question is the blind faith which is even upon young generations. Parents should teach their children the art of charity and not that of draining precious eatables into potholes. I may sound vehement, but India can progress if superstition evaporates from the minds of one and all. Because superstition gives birth to casteism which blocks our sight of seeing everyone as equals and help them in need. The basic tenet of every religion is to teach about the oneness of God and the brotherhood of mankind. This single philosophy can change the perspective of not only Indians but of the people, the world over.

Every religion is pure and will continue helping individuals during time of need. It depends on us how we interpret religion and teach it to the new generation. Misinterpretation of religion takes it's toll over the innocent masses.

As can be seen in the picture alongside, a naga sadhu is refreshing himself with a puff of opium. For him this may be a path to Nirvana, rather than the marriage of his soul bride with God. We should try to be extra conscious with such messengers of God, who in the name of religion are bent to extortion.

Everything said and done, one can only be one with God by remembering the giver and thanking him profusely for every blessing He has showered on us foolish mortals and by being good to one's fellowmen. This is the only path to realize the immortal truth. God can never be wooed by following materialistic ways.

Photo Courtesy - Hindustan Times