This time of the year somehow makes me question a lot of the rituals and age-old traditions.
As I was growing up and as my questions to every religious ritual were answered, I came to an understanding that Hindu rituals involve natural elements found in that particular location, as a way to express gratitude to nature. Our deities are mostly representations of that which is found in nature and deeper thought how this “srishti” came into being.
Therefore, in India today, although the philosophy of the religion basically stays the same the rites and rituals vary according what region you belong. Deities have been traditionally presented with veg or non-veg “prasadam” depending on the peculiarities and characteristics of the life-style of that particular region.
Although, I was always brought up to believe that there are various ways of understanding God, and rites and rituals is only one of them -- I urge the Hindus who live outside of India and who believe in rites and rituals to include the flora and fauna and vegetation from the country they now belong . This will mean that you are grateful to the natural resources of that particular country as well.
Example, in Canada we can use maple leaves and local fruits and even make sweets of maple syrup etc… In Canada we need to utter the names of rivers and lakes existing here rather than in India, because the whole world needs to be grateful to Canada for being the largest fresh water resource.
I would even go so far as to ask to change the festivals according to the relevant season/climate of that country. Because I have been told that we eat what we eat during the festivals is because that particular food is abundant in that region during that particular season and therefore healthy.
Increasing globalization calls of localization of Hindu ritual. :)
According to the Hindu view, revelations are not limited to any individual, time or place. Just as there have been revelations in the past, they can occur at present or in future also. (http://www.hindubooks.org/wehwk/chapter3/page1.htm)
Continuing the above thought, I think that the pandits need to add to the knowledge of Vedas rather than blindly following them. I appeal to the Sanskrit pandits to modify the shlokas in “fill in the blanks” sort of way, so that people from any country can see God in their local natural resources.
If they are already doing so, it has certainly not made its way to the common man.
2 comments:
"Increasing globalization calls of localization of Hindu ritual." -- What a great thought !
I too have had a similar upbringing. I was explained that rituals were associated with natural geographical cycles, that Hinduism was not a religion but a way of life. In our home, rituals were not accorded too much importance. Values and ethics were of prime importance.
It is so thoroughly in tune with my beliefs to be thankful for what I receive and give credit where due.
You are suggesting such a healthy way of approaching change...and assimilating it into our lives and evolving our culture further.
What doesn't evolve and adapt, dies ! The change ideas that you are offering would go a long way in sustaining our culture and helping the future generations to understand and appreciate its principles.
Amazing thoughts ! Cheers !
Hi Rupali,
Thanks for taking the thought further. I absolutely agree with you that everything needs to evolve, adapt and die. After all that is what Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh represent! :)
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