it is morals more than just a religion

My friends were sort of disappointed after USA probably played its best first half scoring twice but eventually lost 3-2 to Brazil in the finals of confederation cup. Then we went to the pool to cool off and suddenly I find some familiar words from my friend. Two of them, one from Atlanta and another new guy from Ohio, who go to school with me, were discussing about Lord Vishnu as the god of creation. Hearing it, I interrupt to make a correction that it is actually Lord Brahma who is the god of creation. Then they said, perhaps Vishnu was the god of destruction. I again correct them saying it is Lord Shiva who has that designation.

The reaction was as if they missed out one of the obvious things realizing it was Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and they both simultaneously ask me then what was the role of Lord Vishnu. I took a pause; try to think in my religious capacity before saying that he is the god to keep a balance between good and evil.Then out of curiosity I asked them how come they were familiar with all these names and roles of the gods. If they knew about Hinduism, I had a hunch perhaps they should have a fair knowledge or atleast outlook about other different religions. Then one of the guy says earlier in school he had taken a class on world religions and there they were introduced to Hinduism and the scripture of Ra-ma-yana, as he uttered in an accent!

It is a secondary point to have belief in a particular religion but for sure the knowledge expressed in all the religions, in the scriptures is very valuable and atleast there should be an opportunity as a child or student to get familiar about other religions apart from their own. Proximity of my home and school to a mosque made me have a unique experience. I have heard and uttered along the prayer “Allah uh Akbar (God is great)” during namaz atleast 2-3 times a day for about 20 years. This was a routine; where as my attendance at a temple was fairly limited to festivals. So, I guess I can well be considered a non-muslim who said namaz more than saying traditional prayers! (frankly, I neither understood Sanskrit nor Arabic to know exactly what I was chanting apart from one or two slokas).

I now wonder why was it we had to say prayers in Sanskrit at school which actually contradicts the function of being secular or neutral in religious matters, the way it should be. It probably would have been with an intention of establishing discipline rather than having any religious propagation but was it not in a way forcing non- hindu to say the prayers? In their defense, it can also be said, since there is only one god, we humans worship different forms; it doesn’t/shouldn’t matter if you say your prayer in sanskrit or Arabic etc! Though some students were obligated, I hope they took a positive message. It would not be fair on my part if I overlook the secular form of school in declaring holidays on all religious festivals!! ;).

Religions impart great tolerance and patience. If a child is exposed to the different religions early on, (s)he will be in a better position to avoid myths and write-off false and dangerous ideologies proposed by anti-social elements. These religious traditions and scriptures are the treasures which should be made accessible to everyone irrespective of their background. Schools are a good platform to provide suitable means of accessibility and hopefully, there would be a day when every child is well informed with teachings of as many religions as possible.

I have a suggestion for the people who are not comfortable facing the question “what are you or what is your religion?” I had been in that situation couple of times and always thought if there was any decent way of answering the question until I figured out to say “ my parents practice so and so”. Or more interesting answers would be ‘music’, ‘soccer’ or any other art form!!