Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Move Series From Archives - Dec 04 Devas & Asuras

"devas and asuras" from the Archives Dec 04.

"Our Hindu mythology is full of stories about whenever "devas" make the smallest mistake, they are banished to earth, as a punishment to be born as an "asura" with the promise that the Almighty Himself will redeem him once the sentence is over.

I have often wondered, as to why the Gods should choose to mete out punishment thus. As "asuras" they have enormous power, enjoy all material pleasures and ultimately get "moksh" once sentence is over. There is not a single instance of someone getting a curse of being born as a poor Brahmin, who will devote all his life in prayer, but owing to his "karma" his prayers will seldom be heard. Indeed, there seems to be a tacit understanding that once a "deva" even in punishment, he cannot be made to suffer for wants. In all this, where does the poor common man fit in? He just seems to be resigned to the fate of being an "underdog" throughout his life. (there is no gainsaying however that such negating of identity can only cause inaction, insecurity, and in extreme case, a recourse to terrorism. (will reserve this for a later column).

The "asura" of the mythological times fits smugly with the role of Modern day Politician. By defenition, he is destined to enjoy himself till God decides to redeem him. And the nation's common men continue to be underdogs. This psyche so envelops us, that not only are we blissfully happy thus, but are also equally uncomfortable when this "underdog" status is lifted. Even the slightest triumph of one, makes all the others around overreact, attributing exaggerated and imagined innert strengths. It is also not a coincidence, but seemingly pre-ordained, that these triumphs come when least expected.

But once a little success is achieved, with the tag of "underdog" temporarily removed, there is doubt, confusion, and a misplaced faith in the Almighty, that nothing can go wrong. And the result? Inability to sustain and inevitable loss. But soon everything is forgotten; we are once again back to our "underdog" status, and our original comfort levels!!!!!

As an illustration; take for instance our cricket team. When everything seems lost, lo and behold, we bounce back miraculously. But then, once the "underdog" status is lost, doubts begin to surface, and unable to sustain, we lose all over again!!!!. Soon enough we are back to our real underdog status, happily and comfortably!!!

Where do we find a remedy for this malaise which seems to affect every one of us? Do we just junk our rich religious & spiritual heritage --- "Hindutva" bashing is the preferred pastime of the noblesse oblige today --- and become "asuras" and enjoy ourselves?

With virtually no institution being held sacred any longer, how and where do we go from here? Will a messiah/guru, descend on earth, and lead us? And if He does come, how does one recognise Him?

Or as our vedanta philosophy - groomed to drop all identities -- would have it, there is really no need for looking elsewhere; the messiah/guru, is inside us, in ourselves (Aham Brahmaasmi).

Frightening thought isn't it? Think it over.........."

PS dt 8th Oct-2009. Nothing really has changed in the last 5 yrs since the original piece was written. It's almost as if it has been written today. All the scepticims ( or cynicisms?) remain menacingly valid even today, and leading me (us?) nowhere. That is a great great pity.....

Love Vichu

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