UNDERSTANDING MYTHS BUT NOT BELIEVING THEM

I was never a religious person or even a religious child. And I always found it difficult to believe in religion because I think and because I had freedom to do so. It was a little difficult for me to make up my mind about believing or disbelieving god. It still feels like just a grammatical mistake if I don’t use capital ‘G’ while spelling god. However; I no longer care because I have made up my mind. I am an agnostic atheist. And I still believe in good and evil but no longer in god and devil.

Firstly it is very difficult to accept religious dictates because they mostly do not allow reasoning. I have exposure to Hinduism and follow it only when it stands well along with logical reasoning. I have some idea about Buddhism and Jainism and am not much aware about other religions. But I am sure they have good preachings too. Any rational human can appreciate and uphold ideas that cater to peace, strength, morality and compassion. But there is a vast difference in accepting these ideas on merit as opposed to accepting them as doctrines. Because ideas, when not elevated to any higher status, can be challenged and evolve faster with time and circumstances. Make them a doctrine and they don’t get challenged in the first place. Any concept is susceptible to misinterpretation irrespective of its origin or position. But it is more vulnerable, and in turn correctable, when subjected to continuous scrutiny.

As far good teachings in a religion are concerned, there is no harm in following or respecting them. But follow them after retrospection and not blindly. Good things exist in any form or format of expressions. Many good lessons can be learnt from fairy tales. But it doesn’t compel one to believe they are real. They are only making a logical point. One can understand or decipher logic behind myths. But it is presumptuous to believe in them only because they exist. I think same applies to religion, science or any philosophy. Thinking and creativity ought to be treated judiciously irrespective of the way they are propagated.

Trying to join pieces to make a structure sometimes distorts reality

Seeing Past Differently

Life makes one deal with events, many times, without prior notice. The same event which shocks you, surprises you at a different time. The mind teaches you different things with same experience, on different occasions. Looking at past is not often flattering (especially when you are in the brooding phase). It is perhaps not always truthful because it changes with perception. And it doesn't help to dwell in it. But, once in a while, it is good to inspect it as an outsider, treat is as an example and look at it critically.  Just retrospect whether you have created a pattern you cannot break. Or to put it more practically, a pattern which you are reluctant to discontinue. 

Patterns define comfort zone and that is a misnomer. Staying in comfort zone limits possibilities. Because to deal with life, one needs to learn to adapt. And the two ways to accomplish that is to cross your limits or have none. Very few people are strong/insane enough to take the second option. Therefore it is a safer option to practice the first one. And it needs to be practiced; that too meticulously. One never gets perfect at it but may grow better. This effort is only required if you chose to think. And if you understand that- Life teaches one not only from experience but also from observation. 

Looking at past has its own costs and benefits. It follows the old maxim credited to Paracelsus- sola dosis facit venenum (Dosage alone determines poison). We should not be afraid or obsessed with past even when it doesn't fit in with our current situation. And we need to make sure that we use it wisely. We need to realize that past is not the reality but your memory of it. It never helps as a reference but serves as a building stone for your decisions. Hence it is very important how you perceive it. Make sure you make it count and appreciate it's worth. And be aware when it is holding you back. This balancing and juggling act is not a trial but a trick one ought to learn.

We cannot be rid of past and hence need to deal with it well. It may not be worth much in greater happenings in the universe but it affects your way of looking at the universe. The present generally affects actions and the past affects reactions. However; sometimes it is wiser to reverse the roles depending on the situation. One can easily live with past but one must not live in it. Like most of the things in life, past needs to be worked on very carefully. Henry Timrod puts it well in his poem titled, 'The Past'-

To-day's most trivial act may hold the seed

Of future fruitfulness, or future dearth;

Oh, cherish always every word and deed!

The simplest record of thyself hath worth.

If thou hast ever slighted one old thought,

Beware lest Grief enforce the truth at last;

The time must come wherein thou shalt be taught

The value and the beauty of the Past.

Not merely as a warner and a guide,

"A voice behind thee," sounding to the strife;

But something never to be put aside,

A part and parcel of thy present life.

Not as a distant and a darkened sky,

Through which the stars peep, and the moon-beams glow;

But a surrounding atmosphere, whereby

We live and breathe, sustained in pain and woe.

A shadowy land, where joy and sorrow kiss,

Each still to each corrective and relief,

Where dim delights are brightened into bliss,

And nothing wholly perishes but Grief.

Ah, me! -- not dies -- no more than spirit dies;

But in a change like death is clothed with wings;

A serious angel, with entranced eyes,

Looking to far-off and celestial things. 

Studying different colours of past is as amusing as having a colourful one