Intriguing things

18 June 2010

Intriguing things

I wonder why Lord Krishna did not marry his beloved companion Radha? I know he told her that they were inseperable- so much so that for generations to come Her name would be taken before His…. What then compelled him to choose Rukmini and Satyabhama? I am sure if he had told Radha that he had “miles to go before he sleeps”, she would not have come in his way of fulfilling karma and dharma, and would’ve happily played the role of a dutiful wife. Why was his destiny so?? Things like this and many more intrigue me............. What was it about Him that left the milkmaids of Gokul and Vrindavan enchanted and mesmerised? If He was so charming and enigmatic, why then is Lord Ram and not Lord Krishna called Purshottam-The ultimate man. His loyalty and commitment to his parents, people and kingdom was undeterred. He was a just and benevolent king. Yet he could not stand by Sita after she was freed from Ravan. Sita who was joyous to return to Ayodhya after her turmoil in Lanka found herself in another heart wrenching situation. Lord Ram, for the sake of his subjects, for the sake of dharma- questioned her chastity and allowed her to disappear into the gaping earth. Sita-the very reason for the great battle with Ravan, was lost to beliefs then prevailing and the unbendable rules. Lord Ram believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, drowned himself in sorrow. Why wouldn’t God himself change his destiny?? Who writes destiny? Bramha, Vishnu or Shiv? Bramha creates, Vishnu sustains and Shiva destroys. Why are there no temples dedicated to the creator of all- Brahma?? Why do we worship the Shivling? What is the significance of the 330 million gods and goddesses that we have?? Do we pray only to ask for favours by the dozen? Is our belief in God our need for spirituality? Or is just nice to have someone to blame all all the time? Are male gods more powerful than their female counterparts? Is it male domination in their world too? Or do they strike a perfect balance? What are Shankar-Parvati and Vishnu and Laxmi without each other. In our otherwise male dominated world, I am surprised to find no such distinction or discrimination being made when it comes to worshipping a deity or a god. Both male and female gods are worshipped alike. After all when it comes to seeking of blessings, and granting of wishes, god or goddess is immaterial... He or She who grants me what I want is MY GOD.

Yet I am amused that if Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi and Kali are worshipped for what they symbolise, worshippers (both men and women alike) pray for a male offspring. Does religion discriminate at all? Are the poor bad and the rich good? Does God give more to the rich and less to the poor? Isn’t the cycle of Karma and Dharma the same for all! The definitions of Paap and Punya may seem simple but are very complex. The same hands that don’t tire offering flowers and incense to Him, conveniently and selfishly engage themselves in activities that are gross and sinful. Paap and Punya are subjective and they can alter your faith and beliefs. A religion may be open to interpretation or may have specific guidelines and code of conduct. Either one follows it religiously or chooses to follow only that that is convenient. What is religion after all? Is belief in a certain God religion? Is following the teachings of that certain God religion? Is manipulating those teachings to suite your needs religion? Is blindly following a sect religion?

If we say God is one- we only call Him by different names, why do we fight over religion? Why the need to convert people from one faith to another. Why impose religion on anyone? Does faith come by force? Can you love one religion and hate the other? Why not just have the freedom to pray to God- this one or that- by joining hands or opening them. Why hate and kill in His name. Why bring Him shame?