Spiritual FERVOR!!!

Does your religion affect your daily life???

May be NOT! But it sure does if you’re Rama! In The Ramayana, Gods and religion play an important role in the Indian life!!! The Indian here being Shree Rama. Having encounters with a REINCARNATED beings, talking to one of the multiple gods, or assuming another form to make life easier are different ways in which the Indian religion *Hinduism* affected Rama’s daily life.

Respect by definition means, “to feel or show high regard for”. As a result of our intense belief in reincarnation, we Indians have (rather should ideally have) a greater respect for life, animals, and each other!! Hinduism preaches non-violence in general. It considers even trees and plants are worth worshipping because of its cherished value it passes to the human kind.

We need to realize that we will only be in their current form for one lifetime, and therefore cherish all life greatly, deeply, seriously and genuinely. We know that most ordinary men would not explain right from wrong and good morals to a monkey, but Rama did. Why?? Since the Indian culture has respect for all beings, Rama knows/ believes a monkey possesses enough astuteness and intelligence to understand this, and that is why he explains morals to Vali as if he were a human. While Rama explains this to Vali he says, “I am not misled by either your explanation or appearance of being a monkey…” There is a Greater meaning to this… We need to learn from this sequence the importance of treating each and every one equally and with respect!

But as educated, modern young Indian Hindus, what do we do? We LAUGH loudly and often ridicule our culture, mythology and History! I have seen innumerous shows, reality, stage shows and comedy shows portraying Shree Rama, Sita, Draupadi, and Krishna in a BAD light! Why??? It’s our ignorance that makes us scoff at things we are not completely aware of…

Since OUR culture appreciates every tiny aspect of life, we HAVE a god to go along with every phase of life!!! We Hindus believe in multiple gods who each have different roles, such as the god of death, fire, wind, etc, but it s a known fact that GOD is one!! There is only one Omnipotent! The representation of these multiple Gods is for servicing a different purpose altogether. Each god is addressed separately and has an important position. At one point in the Ramayana, Sita says, “O Agni, great god of fire, be my witness!!” After that, Sita threw herself into the fire, and instead of dieing, the god of fire protected her and left her unharmed since she was PURE! Because of her close relationship with her god, she was able to vindicate herself. If one’s heart is pure and intentions are right, GOD is always with you, in one form or the other! Isn’t it?

Assuming other forms is a privilege of the gods, or a power hey can confer on others. This tremendous power is used to their advantage, but it is also deceiving to others. When Ravana wanted to capture Sita, he assumed the form of a Sadhu (Saint) and lured Sita. Another time, When King Mahabali was to be kept in check, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Vaman, a small poor Brahmin lad and asked for land the size of three of his footsteps, and when his wish was granted he then transformed into a giant! It teaches us to transform ourselves to effectively deal with the different situations in life! Close scrutiny will show us that most ''crisis situations'' are opportunities to either advance, or stay where you are.”!!! From our Hindu Culture and mythology we learn how to ADVANCE!

Religion and gods affect US Indians daily. Dharma and Karma, these two issues work wonderfully in our daily lives. Over and above, this Religion gives freedom to one and all, to choose their form of worship and that too without any compulsions. Here, one is free to adhere to his faith or FREE himself from the religious routines. It is left to an individual to accept any faith or belief he needs or reject it in Total. Does any other religion give you this much of freedom? In India, one creates his own God and worships Him too. That much of freedom one enjoys! And I think that right there is the PROBLEM!

Btw, does your religion affect your daily life???? Think ABOUT it… :)

Om, Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi!