Any
culture represents a civilization. It cultivates over chapters in history and
spreads across a larger geography. Culture has an inherent potential to
influence masses and govern their beliefs- Beliefs, at times cemented in the
minds, which are quick to form and hard to break. Such beliefs mostly stem out
of Orthodoxy which dissolves so cleanly within the culture that in certain
cases both the terms are referred interchangeably.
Orthodoxy-
as explained by Wikipedia- derives from the word “Orthodox” which is generally
used to mean the adherence to accepted norms, more specifically to creeds,
especially in religion. Orthodoxy must have developed out of certain protocols
bound forcibly for the benefit of society at large. Gradually these protocols
graduated to become unpublished laws; Laws inherited from ancestors and passed
on to next generations who never dared to ask- “WHY?”
Why
do we avoid anything good on an Amavasya (no moon
day), why to observe “Suver” and “Sutak” for members born or dead within even the
most distant relatives (at times for those who haven’t been in contact over
years); Why are eclipses a taboo and what haunts many on Friday the 13th?
Reasons- Laws
are meant to be followed. While some laws stand justified even today, for
others the changes in social structures have long erased the justifiable
reasons. But still, for reasons unknown, we continue being prisoners of our own
beliefs and self-induced fear.
Human
being’s inhibitive quest to reach God, attain happiness and avoid problems
makes him blindly follow the doctrine. To me personally, anything that injects
positivity in self is always good, be it faith or blind faith, as this
positivity itself makes way for a great life. What if we think to refabricate
our beliefs and orthodoxy to suit the needs of changing times? After all it
would be a positive attempt to balance the modern day prudence with the
incorrigible orthodoxy, without harming the pious intention.
Say-
why not feed a needy poor than a prosperous Brahmin to achieve a win-win
situation? Instead of offering millions to idols, why not use that amount to feed
trillions around. While following a Guru might be a source of assertiveness for
many (and in this way, it is definitely helpful), if this over-devotion and
dependence overshadows our own thinking, it has all the potential to paralyze the
brain and decision making abilities. Isn’t this an under-utilization of the most
valuable asset called brain that is distributed for free by God? :-)
We
probably should envisage an atmosphere where thoughts challenge the
beliefs and pragmatism beats dogmatism. Faith may not always be blind. Adding
senses to faith might make it more responsible and productive. Amendments in
orthodoxy over time should be accepted as openly as the alteration of laws in
the country’s constitution. These being unpublished laws, each individual can
be a change bearer, one who is a heretic with an open mind and a sincere faith
in spreading positivity.
