A Hindu Reflects

I was intrigued by an entry in Desipundit and went to read it. Refreshingly clear, it is one of the very posts that look critically upon society’s view of religion.

http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2006/11/27/god-doesnt-need-bribing-and-he-doesnt-need-sucking-up-to/

Rituals were invented in the early vedas to keep the mind focussed on God. Even the ritualistic texts maintain that performing rituals without focus on God is a waste. Over a period of time, Spirituality and morality have become separated.

What people will not believe is that the people in the ancient times were still cave men. They feared fire, water, wind, thunder, lightning and other natural forces. What best way to lessen the fear – make them gods and worship them. However, that is not Hinduism at its core.

A Balanced life for the masses and a spiritual, solitary life for the Swami order were the rules. Virtue, kindness, purity, humilitiy and other highest order principles are enshrined in Dharma, Ardha, Kama and moksha. The 4 stages of life, regulated by self-control and duty were enough to make a man morally strong and principled.

All that is left of those glorius ideas is just rituals. As someone remarked, form often becomes more than function.