The Mirage of Religion

Religion is considered different things by many people. There are those who are devoted believers apply faith and God to every facet of their existence. There are those who although acknowledge the divinity of the universe-creating entity, do not adhere to a strict code of conduct for His sake or in His honor. Some people dismiss God outright and appeal to the secular theories that explain creation of nature. Between each of these classifications there are tribal groups which have varying levels of belief and intensity attached to their personal agendas. Religion is not going to a place of worship, kneeling and paying homage to a martyr, saint, or idol. It's not donating money earned through unscrupulous endeavours in the hope some profit used in God's name will cleanse the guilt. It's not believing when something is at stake and preparing a list of reasons for why He that reigns supreme over all must oblige your requests.

Describing religion is not very easy since it's an unknown entity. There are a series of theories and hypotheses which are the root of every religious debate. There is no guarantee that the edicts of age old scriptures is the appropriate way to live. There is no way of knowing for sure what the outcome of living a pious live entails. No matter which faith we discuss, there are a lot more questions than there are answers.

It's far more productive to explain where religion can be found. Though I do not know what it is, I can tell you that I believe it's found in the oncology department at hospitals. I also think Religion can be found at shelters where homeless, hungry, and abuse victims gather to avoid having to brave another blistering winter night on the streets. Religion can be found in Kindergarten classrooms.

All of these instances and examples of where religion can be found revolve around the premise of humanity. It's through my eyes that I've seen religion within the scope of these locales. Oncology wings are a testament to the brave patients and resourceful medical communities. The patients have to undergo intense, debilitating medical treatment just to perhaps have a chance at beating the cancer. The medical communities have invested billions of dollars in research to develop better treatment and care for patients with cancer. The brilliant minds that have spent countless hours involved with this research has contributed to the advanced level of care we are able to provide these days. The lesson here is that there are times in a person's life when life is not the most important detail. Simply breathing becomes a religious experience. Simply being able to exist and be part of the scenery becomes a good day. The many people involved with the fight against cancer fosters an environment of togetherness and camaraderie. There is a unified vision and collective understanding that improving the quality of life for another human being is paramount.

Shelters across the city serve the needs of the homeless, hungry, and abused. These shelters are where some people go to work everyday. Some people rely on these shelters to keep their families warm, fed, safe or all three. Witnessing how those who live on the lower rungs of our very tall economic ladder is an incredibly humbling experience. There are criminals and unsavory characters amongst the masses which convene at these shelters. There are harmless and innocent bystanders to the economic struggles facing us today also in the group. There amidst a mix of many types of people is a system which is predicated on serving others. The notion that a fellow human being may have to sleep on the street, or be hungry, or need protection from someone else causes enough disturbance that this service is offered. There are people who live to serve others. Regardless of their scruples or lack thereof, they are humans and they need food. No one should be hungry. No one should have to sleep on frozen concrete. People care about one another and try to help others without any expectations. No thanks necessary, just providing a service that will improve other people's lives. Religion is found in the bitter, angry souls that frequent the shelters. It's in the grateful, appreciative hearts savoring every drop of soup as it heads down to their stomachs.

Dealing with kids can be described as a religious experience by some inexperienced parents. Teaching a motley-crew of rugrats their ABC's and 123's while incorporating "sharing-is-caring" and "say please & thank you" lessons is an entirely different category. The kids evolve from their initial fear of being away from home to getting acclimated to their new playpen. Missing Mom evolves into a playtime and fun in a myriad of ways. Teachers demonstrate extreme patience with these children who are no relation to them. They accept a great amount of responsibility and receive very little compensation. Their spirit and enthusiasm contributes greatly to the foundation of these children. There is religion in this unselfish, humanitarian function. Loving and teaching children is a way of making the world a better place.

Religion is something that can only be described when found. Once that moment of discovery passes, the definition of religion fades away. Religion can't be remembered as a memory. It can't be foretold like a fortune. Religion is in every step we take and every breath we breathe. It's found in the eyes of the careless, but remorseful. It's in the tears of a scared, lonely child. Religion is found in the elated shrieks of new parents. Religion is found, and then it's lost and then it's found again. It's the most beautiful mirage because it constantly remains elusive.

Positively Charged

Opposites may attract, but that doesn't mean you want to attract a negative attitude to complement a refreshing outlook on life. A positive disposition is likely going to be the impetus for great accomplishments. I hesitate to believe a champion of any sort charted their pursuit along a pessimistic route. It's incumbent on individuals to see the beauty of their dreams before they set out to achieve them.
Obstacles will appear and how we handle those challenges will not determine our success, but it will gauge our strength. The strength needed to be successful. The many challenges we face in life are going to leave us disappointed at times. We may not be strong enough and we have to continue to move forward. Negativity will only serve to hinder your forward progress. It's key to be able to understand before the journey begins that there will be moments fear and trepidation will be shadows following every step. Accepting this will eliminate the surprise and therefore they can be welcome guests. Though they won't be asked to stay awhile. The hurdles we can leap over heighten our sense of worth, and the ones which cause us to stumble hurt our ego core. It's the hurdles that hurt us that we will benefit from. We will learn a lesson. We know to train harder. We know that we are not where we need to be to be at the level we expect from ourselves.
Lessons are good. Without the lessons in life, we would not have the satisfaction of redemption. Being perfect would just be too boring. The excitement in life is found in the wrinkles. Fun can definitely lead to many wrinkles! It's about the charge that we apply to the socket in our soul. Insert a negative cell and it's going to shock your mind how long it will take to repair the damage. Be consumed with positive thoughts and aspirations, the results will be shatter any image of happiness you may have ever dreamt. The sadness that accompanies disappointment will subside. The hope for a bright future will be restored. It's in the moment that we realize we are born to be happy. Our souls are chasing destiny which has no limits, so do not set any. Positivity is the means by which we survive and thrive. Thrust yourself into it. Allow positivity to manifest itself through your eyes and smile. Let your ears hear the optimism that resonates in the wind. The rain brings with it rainbows. The snow brings with it blankets of heat. It's in the perspective of our mind that our heart is led. Direct it towards a destination marked with an 'X' underneath which lays greatness.

Love is not Enough

The recommended daily allowance of nutritional ingredients helps guide individuals concerned with their health towards a balanced diet. There is no recommended daily allowance for love in a relationship though. It's evident to me that love is not enough, therefore there are many other ingredients which are essential for a balanced relationship.

Among those ingredients is communication. I'm a guy and I would testify under oath that I do not want to know everything on my girl's mind. However, I do want to know enough so I can understand why she's being irrational and moody. Perhaps it's just her hormones, or her way of craving attention. Maybe she's frustrated at the simplest thing but has tortured the thought to death and it's not magnified to 100x beyond reason. Communication would amount to fiber in the diet. Fiber satisfies an appetite, but not the taste buds. It's key for parties in a relationship to understand one another. Making the effort to get to know the other person would in effect enlighten each person about important details. It's not a clinical, rest-on-a-sofa exchange of ideas that equals communication. It's in the simplest question being answered honestly. It's not what you say, but how you say it.

Another essential nutrient for a balanced relationship is spice. No one likes a boring lover. Integrating communication into the bedroom is vital for a passionate love affair to evolve. Relationships tend to transform from exciting adventures to the great beyond with unknown dangers into uneventful kayaking on a quiet, shallow stream. Spice it up but do not overdo it. Too much anything is not good for you. Sprinkle it on and savor the taste. Be one with the experience and do not let the fear of a little fire keep you from feeling the heat.

Love is not enough. You need to talk to your girl and love her. Be good to her and respect her. Be gentle because she's fragile. She's unwilling to show her weaknesses, but accept her as such. She'll be firm and strong in her opinions. But it's her heart that needs to be comforted all the time. There is no recommended daily allowance for this. It's an on-call, full-time, no-limit type of matter. Patience and compassion must shoulder some of the load so love's reach is greater.

Slumdog Millionaire

A nice film. An intriguing plot. The poor and underprivileged of Mumbai's slums were not exploited. There was a realistic presentation. The circumstances the lead character, Jamal, faces and overcomes are admirable. This is not going to be a review of the film though. I am not a critic and this film should simply be viewed and discussed, not reviewed.

One scene in the movie is what has me up at 2am. A child's innocence can often lead him to do things in haste. Decisions made in haste can often backfire and cause more harm than good. As the devil or one of his henchmen once said, 'the best laid plans' - any how, what would compel a person to jump into a pile of human feces? Perhaps faced with a life of death scenario, it's not hard to imagine opting to hold your breath while covered in #2 rather than breathing no more. How about something less dramatic. Imagine a motivating factor that stems from the heart in the form of passion or love. Could you love something enough that in a matter of a few seconds, it is deemed worthwhile to be covered head-to-toe in shit?

Jamal is a huge a Amitabh fan and he keeps a picture of him in his pocket at all times. While negotiating a shy bowel movement in the slums, the locals begin hollering "Amitabh's helicopter, Amitabh's helicopter!!" One of Jamal's friends locks him in the outhouse he was using leaving Jamal with only one possible exit. He takes the picture of Amitabh out of his pocket to protect it from the awful fate that his body is about to be subjected to. His 4 1/2 feet frame goes about 4 1/4 feet down into a pile of what is clearly disgusting waste. The arm holding the picture stretched upward the entire time, was not damaged. Upon climbing out of the wastehole, he proceeds to run looking like 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream without a cone yelling "Amitabh, Amitabh!!" Clearly aided by the stench of his newly aquired body odor, he reaches Amitabh through a path cleared by his stormy Category 2 descent. He gets to Amitabh and he gets the superstar's autograph. Arms raised in ceremonious fashion, Jamal does Johnny Drama proud with a "Victory!!!" pose.

The sheer enthusiasm in his pursuit of an autograph was thought provoking. He chased what his heart wanted. He did it without regard to any common sense. When guided by common sense, common results are achieved. It takes the heart of a child, which is wrapped in a membrane of innocence and uncorrupted passion. The passion that leads an adult includes greed, lust, ego. Self-gratification is a common deterrant to achieving life's passions. But the innocence that a child brings to the table is clearly the remedy to making life worthwhile. So what if there is a pile of shit on the way to making the dream come true. Isn't it all about the goal anyway? Does it really matter if everyone thinks you smell like poop? In the end, when you have the autograph and you have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything you could to make your dream come true, are you going to be able to smell anything but the sweet smell of accomplishment and satisfaction?

Thanksgiving - Let's Say Thanks

Let's say thanks. There are thousands of troops deployed overseas who are representing our country with pride and honor. They are stationed with the task of protecting our freedom. We are detached from the dangers that exist all over the world and faced by many other nations. We are protected by two oceans and friendly neighbors to the north and south. Despite the tragedy of 9/11, we are relative safe compared to many other regions in the world. Our nation's foreign policy adds fuel to the hatred of Americans and the western world held by some factions. But all in all, there is a level of security that we have and that we take for granted which should be acknowledged.

Imagine how badly a soldier would rather be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with a couple of bucks in their pocket rather than patrolling a foreign border with an AK-47 over their shoulder. How difficult must it be to hear about the hometown football team through a news bulletin, after having attended an affair hosted by shrapnel and gunpowder. This is not about agreeing with the fight. But take a moment to put yourself in the boots and fatigues of a soldier. They are far removed from their lifestyle. They are away from their loved ones. Though they signed up for duty, their sacrifice should not be regarded any less significant. They are living a life of duty. They have learned to put their self interest behind the greater good. We walk along the avenues of the city and get lost amidst the splendor of the holiday season. The pretty decor, the window displays now prominently visible from afar. These soldiers are about action, whereas we who live in the land of the free are mired in distraction.

The spirit of Thanksgiving has long involved stories of the Pilgrims and Indians sharing a feast. Over the years, it's come to include other recognizable subjects such as, football, Black Friday, parades with big floats. The spirit of the holiday has taken on a form of thanks that is sad and embarrassing. We are not giving thanks to those who came before us and sacrificed their lives so we could live in freedom. We are giving thanks to the NFL for scheduling a couple of games. We're thanking retailers for discounts so we can spend more money than we should. We are thanking animators for coming up with creative cartoons so nice big floats could be blown up and then paraded down 5th Ave. The true spirit of Thanksgiving should be evident in the lives we live every day. Every day we have freedom, is a day we should be thankful there are people that have layed down their lives and fought for a greater good. Every day we have that affords us the opportunity to express our beliefs, is a day that we should remember there are troops as of this very second who are prepared to die before any harm comes to Americans.

Is all this too melodramatic for you? Is being thankful everyday too much of a chore? Then pick up and move out. Get out of this country and go live in a country that will not guarantee your right to a fair trial and to practice the faith you choose to. Sure our country is not perfect and not all people are treated fairly. But that is not because the system allows it. It's because of ignorance and the lack of courage. When you see something happening that should not be occurring, you should not walk away. You should think of the soldiers that are on active duty who won't walk away. This is not about picking a fight. It's about protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. Let's say thanks to those soldiers who are protecting us because we are unable to do so on our own. Pay it forward by being vigilant and helping to improve the nation we live in. Help make the country a better place so when our soldiers return, they are greeted by a kinder place.

The freedom we enjoy has come at a hefty price. Many lives have been lost fighting wars throughout the years. Now more than ever, after a decade of economic prosperity and technology kicking it up another notch, our lives are very rich in terms of tangible items. But the spirit of our lives has lost meaning. We must take the time to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. The economy has since tanked and now we are looking at some turbulent times ahead. This is not the time to lose faith or spirit. This is the time to take measure of all that we have to be thankful for. Xerox is promoting a campaign that allows troops to receive a Thanksgiving Day card expressing our appreciation for their services. Go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html and support our troops. Take the time to express your appreciation.

Diwali - An Everyday Celebration

Good defeats Evil and for eternity thereafter, the people shall have a reason to rejoice, celebrate, abstain from sinful activity and eat lots of food! Definitely not the textbook explanation, but it'll get me through the day. Celebratory fervor enhances all things. The excitement that new beginnings elicit is steadfast and firm amidst Diwali celebrations across the board. So many types of relationships are elevated to another level simply due to the intrinsic significance that is attached to the Festival of Lights!

Neighbors are awarded with freshly made sweets for their geographical prudence in selecting their home location. Strangers are greeted with subtle and warm smiles. A silent acknowledgment of their existence and their vital contribution to the human race. It may be done unconsciously, but it is evident nonetheless, kindness is manifested on account of the elation attached to the Diwali festival. Acquaintances are warmly addressed with much more love and affection. Friends are appreciated with a heartfelt sentiment usually spared for weddings or funerals. Family can't do any wrong. From the grandmother who asks questions incessantly to the annoying cousin who can't just take a hint. Estranged family are embraced and welcomed by a bridge crossing over the stubborn seas. It's the Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Cosby clan, for the duration of the festivities at least.

Relationships that already are swimming laps in the clouds are elevated to another world during Diwali. The loved ones get the routine tender love and care with the added touch of appreciation and recognition. It makes all the difference when considering the start new year is akin to a bud yet to blossom. There is hope and promise for a brighter future and it's all attributed to the significance attached to Diwali. Couples are comprised of a pair, but function as a single unit. Stepping with the best foot forward allows the rest to just follow. Each spouse takes the time to appreciate the other during this time. So much work goes into preparing for this festival. Whether it's cooking food from sunrise to sunset for an entire week before the actual holiday or it's standing on line at a modest sweet store to get packages that will convey the sentiments filling the heart. Making the rounds to satisfy the familial and associated responsibilities becomes a battle for the couple to face together. Arm in arm, sweets in tow, making the rounds and ultimately coming home. Arriving at a rangoli decorated stoop, decorative lights illuminating the walls, sitting down together and knowing that the true meaning of Diwali is in that moment when they each realize they wouldn't have wanted to enjoy this festival with anyone else.

Generalizations will often result in alienating some people in some way. There is no way the thoughts expressed here are applicable to all people. But when considering the positive energy that is transmitted across a spectrum of personalities during this wonderful festival, it's a hope-filled perspective. It may not be how it is, but it sure wouldn't be so bad it were like it. There is a simple joy to Diwali and it's visible in the extra pep in people's step. Enjoy life's joys, big and small. It will make the difference between having a lasting memory or experiencing an everlasting moment. Ask yourself whether you'd want a photograph of an experience or a chance to relive the moment infinitely. Make everyday Diwali. Smile at the strangers. Be kind to your neighbors. Care about your friends. Love your family. Appreciate and value your spouse. Do all of these things everyday, as if everyday were Diwali.

NAVRATRI - Garba-time

Happy Navratri to those who actually celebrate this festival. To those who just care to partake in the festivities; happy garba, raas, and sanedo to you. It's a festive time, women dressed in elaborate Indian attire, men dressed in traditional kurta pyjamas. It's an eclectic scene; a beautiful array of colors harmoniously circling the idol of a Deity while engaged in rhythmic and various forms of dance. Each year this festival brings together the Indian community and it's an encouraging manifestation of two worlds merging.

This festival brings out so much that is wonderful about our culture and heritage. Beauty, elegance, history, tradition are all petals of the flower that is Navratri. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil. Navratri year after year often falls within a few weeks of Halloween and it seems that this festival also brings out the vampires, ghouls, and goblins from within the Indian community. I'm referring to the thug life, wannabe 'gangsta' teenage guys with countenances suited for mug shots. Along with teeny Tupac and bopper Biggie, there are the girls who show up in ghetto fab jeans, or indecent Indian clothes (i.e. no blouse). To compound matters, these ragamuffin teenagers show up at garba and use the time as their own personal meat market. It's disappointing to witness the way some of these kids behave. It's a shame the cloud of their arrogance is thicker than veil of their ignorance.

Showing up at garba to scope out and pickup girls has a place in the history of these events from the beginning. Back in the day when Expo Hall in New Jersey threw the grandest garba party in the entire nation, more than a few guys were there with an agenda other than dancing to Falguni Pathak. Wherever there are pretty girls, dressed up and free to roam the range, there will be guys hot on their trail. No sense in fighting with Mother Nature and human nature. Years back there was a sense of respect that was prevalent. What's apparent now is this respect is less prevalent. The junior mafias that attend the garba events at local high school gymnasiums across the country are showcasing their new threads, their new shades, new whips, new anything. It's a symposium of adolescent egos gathering to demonstrate who is going to be the alpha male and female. Recently the following conversation between a girl and a guy at garba event in New York:

Girl: "Don't I look pretty tonight?"
Boy: confused look, unsure how to respond, so he just nods.
Girl: "Don't answer that. I looked prettier yesterday."

Now this is one exchange, and it's definitely not representative of the general population. But look around next time you are attending a garba event and see for yourself. Take notice and see if you can recognize the deterioration of our culture happening right before your very eyes. Look at how some of the teenagers dress and how they conduct themselves. Notice the sleazy, meat market feel to the whole place. There are kids at garba events that just look like they should be at a house party.

There is a tremendous amount of tradition and culture that is prominently displayed during this time of year by Hindus. There is the religious aspect of celebrating the victory of good over evil (Ram defeats Ravan). There is the cultural aspect where the Indian woman has the chance to dress in ornate, traditional, decent attire. There is the community component which brings so many people together linked by a common heritage. There is so much that is so great about this time of the year. Let's take the time to appreciate it and extend ourselves in some way to preserve this beauty for future generations.