March 27, 2011

Cultural relativism



Yadgar has requested a picture from Leh; so I am sharing the above. On a different note: I brought back a prayer wheel (as in the first picture) and presented it some one I respect a great deal. A gentleman looking at it, commented spontaneously: how mechanical? how childish? Can you think of God with that?

Years ago, I too had thought the same thing. Now, I think, every culture has its blind spots. Many of us who sit in Dhyan, do anulom-vilom, tell beads or pray (often loudly)- know that if you are careless, EVERY method of prayer can easly become mechanical and meaningless. And if you are careful ("present" in the now) even your game and pass time can lift you up, bring you closer to your "Buddha" nature. But it is so easy to see the mote in other's eyes, rather than the beam in our own eyes..

Second picture is that of a Gompa close to Pangong lake. Third is - sachin, quietly eating his bowl of sattu- since nothing else was available!
In conclusion, I sincerely bow to the good, kind, hospitable people of Laddakh and their simple faith..
Om Mani Padme hum!
Peace! Shalom! Amen! Om Shanti!

4 comments:

Rockford said...

Sirji..
Bhut aache pics hai..
Love to Visit J&K once..

lalit said...

nice pics

quoted brilliantly "if you are careful even your game and pass time can lift you up, bring you closer to your "Buddha" nature"...but to understand this one have to raise its conscious level (by meditation )

sujit said...

"present" in the now is the key. Need to practice.
Thanks Sachin!

J P Sunda said...

Sachin, I think u r getting younger day by day :) and taking on more challenging assignments!! And its so true that how being present in this moment is seen by some as being "passive" But the truth is that it leads to a more active and efficient being! and hence eternal joy!!