"What is religion?" I asked God,who was sitting beside me trying to work on his new smart phone.
"Huh..?What?",God asked back,His eyes still glued to the touch screen.
"Can you put that phone down and answer my question?I asked what is religion." I said,getting irritated.
"Well,religion is a way of life",He smiled as if He had given a very intelligent answer.
"I know that quote,thank you very much.But what is religion?"
He sighed."Why do I have to endure your questions and accusations everytime! All right,let me give an example.You have been to school,right?".At this,I glared angrily.
"OK OK! Just joking! What do you remember about school? Don't tell me answers like sharing lunchboxes,not doing homework,punishments,scores et cetra.Just give the physical stuffs you remember about school.Something that helped people know you're in school".
"Oh that must be the Uniform!",I answered thoughtfully.
"Exactly.Now the uniform serves not much of a purpose except telling you which school you belong to,and that everyone in the school is equal.Religion does the same.It just tells others what food you eat,what time you remember Me in the day, how you go about your daily chores everyday,and how you celebrate some victory."
"Oh is that all? Then why did you make those sacred texts,those religious bhajans,slokas,hyms,and prayers?And what about the customs,and traditions?" I asked accusingly.
He laughed."Oh yeah I do know all the languages,but seriously,those texts were just opinions on how to reach Me.I know all that sounds complex,but its very simple actually.Be good,do good,think good,and you'll find the way to reach me".He smiled merrily.
"Then why do people kill each other in the name of God?",I asked,wide eyed,almost knowing the answer yet feeling afraid.
He kept silent for sometime,and then,in a low voice,said "I didn't make religion.I don't care if you pray to me early morning,afternoon,or even midnight.I don't care much if you keep your forehead barren or keep it colourful,I don't care if you think of me silently or if you pour tons of milk over my idol.All I care for is,if you're doing good to others.Being good doesn't mean you donate some money to charity and then think I'll be happy.No! A kind word,gesture,an unexpected help,a loyal word,acceptance-that is what makes me happy.Not mere hymns and prayers.And yet humans think one's way of life is superior to other! Bah! It doesn't matter at all.Did you concentrate on your school uniform while sitting in class?No.You must have just thought about your friends,classes,subjects,exams scores and all that.But see now?People kill each other for their way of life." He looked hurt.
"Ooh okay.Don't be upset!Am sure the new generation with people like me will not fight over each others' way of life",I smiled at Him.
"Yeah,I hope so",He smiled too.
"So,what were you doing with your new Smart Phone?",I changed the topic.
"Was searching for some bhajans on the phone's internet",He said,turning His gaze back to the touch screen.
I stared at him.
"What?Can't I listen to people praising about me? You know,am quite upset right now." He feigned a hurt expression.
Sigh.In the name of God!
P.S:
For all those who despise other people's religion,look into your own and you'll find flaws in yours too.
Let us not fight in the name of God,because even though we all belong to some religion/sect/groups,no too people will have the same way of doing their day-to-day work.
"Huh..?What?",God asked back,His eyes still glued to the touch screen.
"Can you put that phone down and answer my question?I asked what is religion." I said,getting irritated.
"Well,religion is a way of life",He smiled as if He had given a very intelligent answer.
"I know that quote,thank you very much.But what is religion?"
He sighed."Why do I have to endure your questions and accusations everytime! All right,let me give an example.You have been to school,right?".At this,I glared angrily.
"OK OK! Just joking! What do you remember about school? Don't tell me answers like sharing lunchboxes,not doing homework,punishments,scores et cetra.Just give the physical stuffs you remember about school.Something that helped people know you're in school".
"Oh that must be the Uniform!",I answered thoughtfully.
"Exactly.Now the uniform serves not much of a purpose except telling you which school you belong to,and that everyone in the school is equal.Religion does the same.It just tells others what food you eat,what time you remember Me in the day, how you go about your daily chores everyday,and how you celebrate some victory."
"Oh is that all? Then why did you make those sacred texts,those religious bhajans,slokas,hyms,and prayers?And what about the customs,and traditions?" I asked accusingly.
He laughed."Oh yeah I do know all the languages,but seriously,those texts were just opinions on how to reach Me.I know all that sounds complex,but its very simple actually.Be good,do good,think good,and you'll find the way to reach me".He smiled merrily.
"Then why do people kill each other in the name of God?",I asked,wide eyed,almost knowing the answer yet feeling afraid.
He kept silent for sometime,and then,in a low voice,said "I didn't make religion.I don't care if you pray to me early morning,afternoon,or even midnight.I don't care much if you keep your forehead barren or keep it colourful,I don't care if you think of me silently or if you pour tons of milk over my idol.All I care for is,if you're doing good to others.Being good doesn't mean you donate some money to charity and then think I'll be happy.No! A kind word,gesture,an unexpected help,a loyal word,acceptance-that is what makes me happy.Not mere hymns and prayers.And yet humans think one's way of life is superior to other! Bah! It doesn't matter at all.Did you concentrate on your school uniform while sitting in class?No.You must have just thought about your friends,classes,subjects,exams scores and all that.But see now?People kill each other for their way of life." He looked hurt.
"Ooh okay.Don't be upset!Am sure the new generation with people like me will not fight over each others' way of life",I smiled at Him.
"Yeah,I hope so",He smiled too.
"So,what were you doing with your new Smart Phone?",I changed the topic.
"Was searching for some bhajans on the phone's internet",He said,turning His gaze back to the touch screen.
I stared at him.
"What?Can't I listen to people praising about me? You know,am quite upset right now." He feigned a hurt expression.
Sigh.In the name of God!
P.S:
For all those who despise other people's religion,look into your own and you'll find flaws in yours too.
Let us not fight in the name of God,because even though we all belong to some religion/sect/groups,no too people will have the same way of doing their day-to-day work.
Good one.
ReplyDeleteIt;s true. People have lost focus why we follow religion. They are just engrossed in following it, blindly.
ReplyDeleteNice :)