WHEN RAMA HELPS ME BECOME A GOOD CHRISTIAN

 



“Religion is for those who’re afraid of going to hell;

Spirituality is for those who’ve already been there.”

Vine Deloria Jr.

 

I do not know, if they still teach the fascinating stories from The Ramayana and The Mahabharata in pre-primary and primary schools, these days. Hope they do… The stories are so fascinating, that they have remained permanently etched in my mind even after sixty-plus years…

Every time Deepavali comes, come back to my mind the inspiring stories of Rama’s sacrifice, Bharata’s love, devotion and righteousness, his mother Kaikeyi’s stubbornness and father Dasharatha’s atma sankat… Though the primary school I studied in (St. Peter’s ) was run by the local church authorities, the atmosphere out there was purely secular… I grew up among scores of non-Catholic friends – Hindus, Muslims and Jains… Brahmins and Harijans all. The stories from The Ramayana and Mahabharata enchanted all of us…

Thus, as a grown-up man, today, I am quite aware of why Deepavali festival – the festival of lights – is celebrated…

The ‘light’ is what is needed the most when the darkness descends upon the mind and the heart… The essence of Rama is what is badly needed to keep us good humans…

“Happy Diwali”… Well, these should not be just two words, sent across mechanically. They should invite Rama in our hearts – His pure  love, respect, sacrifice, courage, honour, commitment etc. It’s the season when we all should yearn to return ‘home’ – that beautiful place in our hearts… the Ayodhya within.



 


So, the stories from The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, which were first drilled into me as a small school boy, have lived in me this long… They have helped me become a good Christian.

Amidst the flurry of countless ‘Happy Diwali’ messages, there was this ‘odd’ one from one of my elderly uncles:

 

 


 

True. Just as Jesus did not tell us to love our churches, Rama did not tell us to love our temples. For both of them, our neighbors – our fellow beings - were, are and will be the true churches and temples…

 

A very Happy Diwali to all…

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic’s: 1. www.timeout.com   2. www.youtube.com

 

Video:  Unknown source/Frank Furtado

Comments

Anonymous said…
You are a true Guru, who removes the darkness of ignorance and brings in the light of knowledge, encouragement, self confidence self-esteem, inclusivity and tolerance.
October 31, 2024 at 9:49 PM
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