RELIGION

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." --H.H. the Dalai Lama

Fundamentally, the statement is true. But, it cannot and need not be true in practical life for all humans uniformly. Mind is the commander of our actions. Mind is a powerful entity but can be influenced by a variety of factors such as love, sorrow,anger, lust, desire, etc. The most powerful force that influences our mind is “FAITH”.

Great ancient thinkers understood and devised ways to help humans by employing “faith” as a vehicle to help them manage their life. Faith exists in various forms in humans. No two persons in the world of over 7 billion humans on earth can be regarded as same in all respects, and this is true of their “faith”

Take for instance, the hundreds of Gods Hindu’s worship with “FAITH” and seek ways to realise their wishes. The approach of each person is unique and not necessarily similar. By praying, propitiating, appealing, and begging mercy of the GOD that represents his or her faith, a person invokes God's blessing to realise their wishes and needs. This is a powerful tool that works wonders on human mind and brings about solace, comfort and peace to an unsettled person.

Let us as examine thee power and purpose of the following. Why do millions go to Mecca for Haj; millions who brave strain, rain, sun, ill health, filth and so on to visit Kumbh; Lakhs who trek miles and hills to visit SabariMala; Hundreds who visit and pray in Temples, mosques, churches, and other places of worship, and so on? "FAITH DRIVES THEM THERE". This has been going on for centuries without any change.      

HH Dalai Lama, in his sweeping statement above, ignored the role of FAITH, the   most powerful entity that helps humans predictably in all situations. Curiously, even Buddhists pray and worship. What common people need are practical devises and ways to make their life comfortable and fulfilling.

I believe religion is a "LIVING MANUAL" and each person must be left to practice his/her religion and cling to his/her faith to attain individual goals. Here lies the wisdom of our forefathers who used even psychology as a medium for interventions.