I was in Defence Colony yesterday, an area of Delhi, where i was looking for some electronic equipment. There was the usual Hindi film music playing in the background. The catchy song was about "sexy Sheena". It was somewhat embarrassing--how do people play such songs in public family areas?? (Quite easily, i see).
What was surprising: at the payment counter were pictures of Jesus Christ and Guru Nanak.
It seems that in India we have a strong inclination towards religion even if we are not always able to adhere to the spiritual principles behind them. In the US, outside of politics, the outward environment can be studiously a-religious--to the extent that whether you wish someone "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" can cause a controversy. Yet, the homes are generally quite spiritual. As the great Indian-American teacher, Paramahansa Yogananda taught, perhaps some day, when we can get rid of the distractions of caste and communal disharmony, we can all come together and realize that the underlying principles of the major religions are identical, even if the forms continue to be different.
The point about Paramahansa Yogananda is well made. He was one of the first Hindu teachers to travel to America and other countries and show how God is one, even if religions are different. However, there are still real disagreements to handle. Was Jesus the Messiah, as Christians say? or a Charlatan, as the Pharisees in the Bible said? Or just a great Prophet, as per the Koran? While perceptions may vary, perceptions are reality, in many cases.
ReplyDeleteGood one Raja ..... Very perceptive comments. Yes, in the land of Kamasutra, Krishna and Osho, sexuality and spirituality do move hand in hand. Religion may colour perceptions and be also de-linked from both these in any case !!
ReplyDeleteThe root of the difference between Indian and American lies in the constitution and bill of rights. The Indian constitution has the single word regarding religion— “Secular” in describing the Indian government. This word is also on the same line as the word “Socialist, which has had little noticeable effect in India today…
ReplyDeleteIn the American bill of rights, however, there are two statements regarding religion in the first amendment, stating that the government will not establish a religion, and that all Americans can freely exercise their own religion.
The problem which arises is in how the American bill of rights is more ambiguous and open to interpretation when describing religion. To some, a simple, “Merry Christmas” on television can appear as if a politician is advocating for Christianity. And in the case of Sikhism, for example, the people are not allowed to “freely practice” their religion and carry around a knife in many parts of the country.
In the Indian constitution, the single word “secular” just means that the government must tolerate and offer equality to different religions. It does not mean that the government itself must stay non-theist. This is why in public places and in schools, prayers and pictures regarding religion are allowed and actually encouraged. As long as we are not stopped from following our own religions, there is no issue legally or socially, while in America there is.
Good point, Jay--there is a difference between secular and non-religious and that affects our social polity!
ReplyDelete