By Salil Gewali
Apropos the eye-opening article – “Niamtre, Hinduism and Ram Temple in Ayodhya” by HH Mohrmen (ST, 3rd Aug, 2020), I have some pertinent views to share. The writer has minced no words to suggest how the indigenous faiths and their treasured values and traditions are disappearing as their followers’ population is rapidly dwindling. I will not comment on the reasons for why that has happened . The writer has profusely quoted from a visionary article by a noted scholar Albert Thyrniang published under the caption ‘Is it possible to turn back the clock’ (ST July 4, 2020). Of course, both writers have expressed their viewpoints very logically. Both articles have struck a chord with many people who truly think and have vision and concerns for society at large. Of course, similar concerns and laments have time and again been expressed by several scholars and social activists belonging to various states in India and many countries/provinces abroad.
Yes, as humans first of all, we should not offend any believer or even non-believers/atheists living in this habitable earth. As fellow beings in the midst of diversity, we should learn to live together in perfect amity and harmony. The “effort” for peaceful co-existence and fostering love among all living creatures itself is no less than a pathway to God. This becomes possible only when we can foster mutual love and tolerance. But what is disgusting is that, it is often observed that due to the existence of many religions, people have grown abnormally intolerant. Very ironically, the more religious a person is, the more intolerant he is. Why does one have to carry the load of prejudice against the adherents of other faiths? Is it not irreligious to disrespect other religions/traditions/customs — be it Hindu or Christian or Muslim or tribal…?
I am sharing these thoughts because I am concerned about the prevailing feeling of “open hatred” among various religions across the globe. We never hesitate to misinterpret Sati, Caste system, Triple Talaq, criminalization of LGBT… as if God or the Holy Scriptures have given us sanction to spread evil. We actively look for ways to malign other faiths/customs to further our individual missions.
One wonders, why people following the “holy precepts” of religion are encouraged to see fault with others’ values by doggedly claiming their religion as the only THE WAY TO GOD. It is infantile to say the least. It’s like a baby claiming his/her “father” to be the best. Therefore, if we critically analyze the reasons for the deep-seated acrimony and antagonism among various existing religions on earth, it only makes us laugh. Is it not outrageously irreligious that the followers of a sacred path of spirituality are baying for the blood of those who do not worship their God(s)? I think an eye for an eye should not be the tenet of any religion. By teaching the “exclusivity” of one’s religion from the pulpit of religiosity, I believe, we have only brought out “satan” from deep inside us. Such unscientific and flawed practice has become a recipe for the disaster since ages. Even the pure discoveries of the rotation and revolution of science were resisted and countless “rational” thinkers were persecuted. It hardly occurred to the ardent believers of God that He always frowns on bigotry and hatred. God shuts the heavenly doors upon those who perpetuate hatred in the name of spiritualism.
It is my firm belief that for the sake of “humanity” and in order to restore peace in this world of chaos, why not we consider to have one “additional line” mandatorily inscribed on the front page of all holy books saying, “THERE ARE SEVERAL PATHS THAT LEADS TO GOD; LET US RESPECT EACH RELIGION”. As children of “one God”, to claim that “MY RELIGION ONLY” leads to the Almighty is unacceptable. This has literally taken a toll on “humanity”. For this wrong teaching and preaching of “exclusivity”, we have witnessed so much of hatred and bloodshed. Everything can be patented and copyrighted but not the path leading to God or self-realization. Moreover, God never loves those who lack humanity and morals while being filled with malice towards others. Nevertheless, those who still believe the fact that following the religion of bigotry and hatred will please God then he is wrong and that belief system is wrong. One need not follow any paths at all, but if he or she loves and serves all without discrimination and self-interest, God will surely shower blessings him or her.
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