Unconventional Orthodoxy

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 Gradually these protocols graduated to become unpublished laws; Laws inherited from ancestors and passed on to next generations who never dared to ask- “WHY?”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 13^th? 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. 

So the next time you cut your hair on Saturday or clip your nails at dusk, do put personal hygiene and personal grooming ahead of the blind faith :-) Think about it.

Attack on Indian culture

This article on TOI inspired me to post my thoughts here. I personally dislike Greg Chappel for the games he played against Saurav Ganguly, however more than his comments on the Indian culture, this time I was  interested in the comments (read reactions) posted by the TOI readers.

No wonder- you won't be an Indian if you do not strongly react to such remarks made by a foreigner. We Indians won't mind comfortably jumping the road signals, fighting over petty issues, breeding corruption or spitting on the roads, without the slightest element of guilt that we are causing trouble to fellow Indians; such and lot more acts which have never been advocated in the 5000 year old culture. Old, may not always be Gold (per se), there is always scope for introspection and improvement. Rather than boasting of a glorious past, should we not ponder whether we actually follow what our culture has taught us?

Although some Indians in past and present have displayed great leadership and innovative abilities, still- think over this:

• Agriculture has been a way of life of Indians for thousands of years, still even today Indian farmer has to make ends meet to produce and save his crop. Relatively newer crop-cultivating nations like Israel have overcome dependence and are way ahead in farm productivity, while poor farmers of India still heavily depend on the rains (where is the innovation?).
• India receives more sunlight throughout the year than most of the developed countries, still we are the least consumers of solar energy.
• They say necessity is the mother of invention, lot of inventions happened in the west which necessitated more in the sub-continental climate and populace (e.g. Refrigerator, air-conditioner), yet as usual we were the followers.
• Population control measures- again the westerners had to come up with a solution that benefits the Indians most
• A culture boasting of pre-historic town planning (in Mohenjo-Daro) has some of the filthiest and worst cities on earth
• Indian culture has always promoted peace and harmony, yet we find the westerners to be more polite, helpful and carry more civic sense than Indians.

Every Indian should be proud of Indian culture- undoubtedly for how great it is, however being proud doesn't mean turning a blind eye on the flipper side. I believe Indian culture has instigated an over dependence on nature and God, which has further decelerated the progress of our society (maybe this is what God wants, maybe HE is punishing us for our deeds, etc.). Indian culture has (somehow unintentionally) promoted blind faith, racism, lethargy, arrogance and a few other negative traits observed among Indians.

Reluctance in accepting things with a broad mindset is something very Indian. Why can't Indians introspect, take criticism positively and make it constructive to build a great society that everyone can truly be proud of?