To each, his own!

Miniature boats on Karthika Purnima to commemorate 
the rich maritime glory of ancient Odisha. It marks the 
change of monsoon tides. Sail is set for Java from Odisha.

We like to convince ourselves that a particular ritual will help us in our life ahead. Perhaps paying tithe or giving alms will ease our path to salvation. They say that a cleansing bath in a specific lake on a particular day will symbolically wash away one's previous sins, even of previous births.

With the conviction that we had of our past lives and have more future births to sail through to attain Moksha, the breakaway from the curse of repeated birth and attainment of eternal bliss, we religiously indulge in this activity and that.

Karthik Bath in Odisha

The recurrent thought that has been going on throughout my life is this. Am I so lucky to have been told these secrets of life by virtue of my birth as a Hindu? My other good friends who, through no fault of theirs, had not been exposed to these intriguing shortcuts of attaining Satchiananda (existence consciousness bliss). But then, they too had their own pathways to the same. Sometimes our paths contradict each other, yet each is convinced of his own. 

When we were young, my sisters and I were repeatedly reminded to respect our school books and school bags. We were told the books were representations of Goddess Saraswathi, the goddess of knowledge. We could not be seen sitting on our bags or kicking or disrespecting another person's book. Our parents told us that we would eternally be cursed to be daft by invoking divine wrath! And there was he was, the top boy of the class, who would be resting his feet on his school bag whilst waiting for his mother's car but nothing terrible happened to him, academic wise!

What is good for the goose must surely be so for the gander, so I thought. When number 8 is auspicious for some, it is 9.

They both cannot be correct. One, or even both, could be wrong. There can either be a rebirth model or 'heaven and hell'. We cannot have both. Or, conversely, neither, after this life, is just void. Game over. White noise. Zzz...

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The clash of art, science and faith

Stalker (Russian, 1979)
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky

Now, what is the purpose of the arts? Are they there to entertain, to create an alternate universe for us to unwind from the real world. The world we live in is no pleasure cruise; hence an outlet is necessary to imagine something parallel reality in which we could star? Or is it a conduit for us to introspect what is in front of us, assess and make a better version of ourselves? 

Judging from how all the powers-that-be are fighting against each other to the last breath wanting to control the media, the arts are definitely a powerful tool in skewing the masses' minds towards a particular direction. Hollywood, CCP and the mainstream media want to push us in one order, whilst the other, in opposition to the powers-that-be, would draw to another. That is until the opposition comes to power. Their roles and choices will reverse.

I recently got introduced to the legendary Russian moviemaker and film theorist Andrei Tarkovsky. He is known for making extremely slow-moving movies that may immerse certain movie connoisseurs into the story's crux whilst being excruciatingly painful to the average Joe, who is too tired to appreciate the nuances of filmmaking. He uses natural sounds and lighting to give a more significant impact to his cinematography.

The story is usually pregnant with dream-like scenes that stay in viewers' minds for a mighty long time. It carries with it much metaphysical meaning that may mean different things to different people. This is the very thing that got Tarkovsky into trouble with the Soviet authorities. After 'Stalker', which took swipes at communism indirectly by talking about faith, Tarkovsky decided to emigrate. He made Italy and later Sweden his home.

The movie starts with the sound of vibrating furniture in response chugging of a passing train. He looks at his sleeping wife and the tween daughter napping between them. He quietly gets dressed to leave, but his wife awakens. She goes on a rant about how her life is miserable and how irresponsible of him to join the expedition. We gather that he had just been released from prison. He goes anyway.

The man is a tour guide, also locally referred to as a stalker, who brings tourists clandestinely to a high-security restricted part of the now closing-down town called 'The Zone'. 'The Zone' is said to have had alien visitations or may have been hit by a meteor, but has some special powers, especially in 'The Room'. That day, Stalker is supposed to take 'The Writer' and 'The Professor' to the 'The Zone'.

The rest of the story, which is supposed to be science fiction, tries to discover what goes through the minds of the three characters as they travel deep into 'The Zone' in search of 'The Room'. Stalker is the only person who has the know-how to wriggle around 'The Zone' because he follows certain rituals and believes in certain superstitions. He needs the money.

'Writer' has hit a low point in his writing. He hopes that by getting into 'The Room', his creative juices will start flowing all over again. 'Professor' wants to see, explore and debunk the myths surrounding 'The Room'. Later we discover that he plans to destroy it.

At the end of the show, it appears that this story is an allegory to faith and religion. It tries to pitch art and science versus faith. Many religious symbols can be picked up, for example, a thorn crown. The Stalker, who holds his faith dearly, in the end, finds resolution to all the quandaries that mired in his life - a handicapped child and an unhappy wife. 'Writer' and 'Professor' still carry on life without purpose, getting no benefit from visiting 'The Room'.

'Stalker' turned out to be a troubled film for Tarkovsky and his team. He had significant creative differences with his cinematographic editor. A large portion of his film reels was damaged because they needed special developing techniques. The area they were shooting is said to be a toxic wasteland, probably with radioactive materials, that gave cancer to Tarkovsky and his wife.

[P.S. Russia's filmmaking skills took a great leap forward when Nikita Krushchev took over the realms from Stalin in 1953. Reversing Stalin's xenophobic policies, he opened cultural exchange with many countries. India, the Soviet's ardent admirer, had a healthy joint development of its movies. Raj Kapoor's 'Mere Naam Joker' was an example of a Russian actress playing a significant role. 'Awaara', made in 1956, is said to be Russia's all-time favourite Indian film. Shri 420 comes a close second. 

Many Russians can still be heard to be humming to the tune 'Awara Hoon'. For the record, "Awara Hoon' is based on a Turkish folk song. There is a report of an unsuspecting Raj Kapoor once mobbed by a bevvy of Moscow girls. The star-struck girls stopped his cab and pulled him out of the taxi for a meaningful star-fan moment.]

Raj Kapoor in Moscow in 1967.
He was uprooted from his taxi when someone identified him as a Bollywood star!

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My word, look at the similarities!

Plato, in the book Republic, suggested that the state should be ruled by philosophers. But he also mentioned about groups of people attuned to different classes to do different duties for the upkeep of the nation. In modern times, these ideas may not be politically correct as it is not good virtues that spins the modern world, but rather, stashes of money. In the 21st century, conformity of the majority to the whims of the 1% goes a long way in keeping order but not peace and definitely not law. Creation of just wars seems to the calling of the century whilst the powerful maintain their stronghold on the hapless majority.

Harimandhir Sahib, was given the golden feel to the pre-existing temple by Maharajah Ranjit Singh. He has the honour of being the only power defeating the Afghanis. He created Punjab, ruled over Kashmir and Afghanistan. His royal regalia included the coveted Koh-i-Noor diamond which was snatched from the Persians who had looted it from Andhra Pradesh. The priceless gem was allegedly 'gifted' to Queen Victoria. The Brtish monarchy since had been shamelessly exhibiting their loot on their crown. The top tier of the temple is of solid gold, the middle tier is gold plated and the bottom is made highest quality marble. ©FG

These were some of the things that went through my mind as I was walking around the holiest shrine of professors of the Sikh faith. What started as a discontent to the discriminatory practices of the Hindus, Guru Nanak and his band of followers went wandering in search of the meaning of life. Through his journeys to the valleys of knowledge and meetings with mystic figures, with the help of poems and music, they attempted to put in words, perhaps how life should be lived. He and the holy men after him strived to find the reason for our existence.

The one-eyed warrior.

Maharajah Ranjit lost the vision of his left eye due to infancy

smallpox. His mother was behind many of his successes. ©FG

For a certain time, things were hunky dory. The invaders of the continent were inclusive in their outlook and engaged in finding commonalities amongst religions rather than exclusivity. Mishap befell this idyllic region. As the national coffers dried up with over-indulgence into extravagance, new taxes reared its ugly head. Division along religious line cracked open. Jiziya was justified on non-believers.

There was a need to protect the Sikh way of life which made a lot of sense to the people who believed in it; simplicity, equality, service, humanity, humility. compassion and servitude to mankind. The majority reeled behind faithfully under the banner of religion. They started identifying each other in an exclusive club which fell on five visible symbols. (5Ks- Kaccha, Kirpan, Kara, Kanga, Kesh).

The full splendour of the grandiosity of the aureum-hued building is visible at night. A sight to behold. The energy of gold and the positive energies of worshippers who throng with the purest of thoughts is set to awe believers and non-believers alike. Sadly, the cleanliness, orderliness and law-abiding spirit stop short within the perimeter of the pantheon. ©FG

The temple which fets the Grant Sahib, the key to the secrets of life floats in a pool of nectar. Legend has it that the wonder of the lake was discovered when many patients with skin diseases, including leprosy, had miraculous recoveries. Another tale tells of Amritsar being the place where one of Lord Rama's twins was injured by Lakshmana's arrows. Nectar (Amrit) was used to nurse him to health, hence the name. ©FG

The word, the knowledge, the wisdom is echoed in many religions as the divine entity called God.

(John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.)

For a brand new start? Perhaps it unchains the guilt of their past wrong-doings? Is the stain of the soul permanent? ©FG

The guardian of the faith ©FG

No one needs to be hungry! ©FG

No easy feat, the promise of feeding round the clock. ©EsKaySK

Courtesy of the utter of the strong Punjab cows and the fertile plains. ©FG

Humbling service to mankind is the tenet of Sikhism. Whenever malady befalls, langgar (kitchen) is there. Earthquake, fire, tsunami, care of the homeless, you named it. Ironic that Britain, which can be squarely blamed for the many famines and death in India during their heartless rule, has mobile kitchens set up by British citizens of Sikh faith to feed its many homeless citizens. ©Bob Mann

https://asok22.wixsite.com/real-lesson

The liberty to voice

Brother Tariq: The Doublespeak of Tariq Ramadan

Author: Caroline Fourest (2007)

For Mature Readers Only.

For the longest time, Tariq Ramadan has been hailed as a moderate Muslim. He has been looked upon as the person who would be the go-between to help to salvage the good name of the religion. His paternal grandfather established the notorious Islamic Brotherhood, but that did not prevent him from having his voice heard in the international arena. He asserts that he cannot be blamed for the sins of his grandfather and the baggage that he carries with the family name. Nevertheless, he is proud of his heritage. Tariq, probably named after the first Muslim conqueror in Europe when he invaded Spain, also shares his name with the pillar of Europe, the Rock of Gibraltar, called Rock of Tariq in the Islamic world.

His wife is Isabelle, an ex-Catholic, now plays the picture-perfect image of an ideal Muslim wife. His brother, Hani, a non-practising physician, gave up his medical practice to go in the line of dawah (spreading the message, but they do not call it proselytising). Unlike his younger brother Tariq, he lacks the suaveness and charisma. He is said to be too brash in his sermons at his family-run Geneva Islamic Centre that had landed him in hot soup with the Swiss authorities.

I think that is where the controversy starts. Tarif and Hani, according to the author, are actually two sides of the same coin. Tariq, despite his seemingly modern outlook of the practice of the religion and benign look, is said to have the same ideology of the fire-brand Islam as propagated by his grandfather Hassan Al Banna, Al Banna's henchmen Said Qutb and Hani Ramadan. Hani is supposed to spread the word from the inside whilst Tariq spreads his malicious sugar-coated 'doublespeak' message to the ummah in the rest of the civilised world. He says different things to a different crowd; to the non-believers, he emphasises that the Islamic laws should be contextualised to time and people, to the believers, he would adamantly assert that there is a need for the modern Man to go back to the golden age of Islamic Empire. To the kaffir, he would say that Islam is compatible to secularism and modern democracy; amongst his own crowd, he would insist that Muslims are different from the rest and they need to exert their superiority over their newfound state that gave them homage. Lest they forget that the host state 'rescued' them from their native countries, but they would be quick to counter their claim by saying that the West were the ones to fanned the fire in the first place. In so many strong the author accuses Tariq Ramadan to be a Salafi fundamentalist, not a reformist.

Author: Caroline Fourest

Tariq's association with many of the world's notorious jihadists including Ayman Al Zawahiri, the Al Queda No. 2 man, put Tariq into the list of the unwelcomed travellers in many countries including France and the USA. He is accused of being the subversive instigator of Muslims the world over. He encourages youths not to be passive citizens but instead, demand their rights. He wants them not to conform to the majority rule which is unIslamic. Ibn Taymiyyah, the controversial 13th-century Islamic thinker with his dogmatic teachings, is his role model. Tariq seems to condone the terrorism manned by fringe Islamists' group but fail to address the injustices carried out in the name of religion in Islamic nations. He is quick, however, to accuse of a Hamas-Zionist conspiracy or cry Islamophobia when the Muslims are in the wrong.


Tarik Ramadan denies part of his religious activities include proselytising but agrees that his wish is to have Europe, a Dar-al-Harb where Muslims are the minority, to a Dar-al-shahada or House of Witness/Message. In traditional Islamic sense, countries are either Darul-al-Islam (House of God) where Muslims are the leaders or Darul-al-Harb (House of war where Muslims are persecuted). So, in his words, he plans to bring the message of the gospel to the masses and make them believers?

This book was written in 2007 by a French journalist who was in the minority who opposed Tariq's interfaith work. Somehow, being the virtuoso of rhetorical and semantic undermining, he managed to stay in the limelight over the years. It should be interesting to see how he is going to dodge the new accusations of sexual misconduct that sprung in the social media recently and has made it to the French courts.

All lives matter?

*Terms and conditions apply!

The newest battle cry screams 'Black Lives Matter'. Of course, it is the only politically correct thing to say, that all lives are precious, irrespective of race, colour and class.

Nice on paper, nice to hear but not in practice. It is an undeniable fact that some lives matter more than others. Rather than thinking that race, colour and creed are determining factors on who should live and who should just bite the bullet and disappear, I would like to think that money is the common denominator that saves everybody's skin in the end.

In this time and age, the dictum 'Health is Wealth' no longer holds water. It should be rewritten as ' Wealth assures good Health'. As the cost of medical services snowballs by leaps and bounds, governments and health providers are running to cut cost. Even though the world has the technological know-how or at least have access to some experimental techniques to treat some potentially fatal illnesses, the cost may be a limiting factor. How many times have we heard of doors to expensive modalities of treatment being shut for non-affordability? With the wave of stacks of the greenback, even cadavers would open their gap to volunteer organ donation! True, entitlement to basic health care is a human right. That is how it is going to be for the (m)asses, basic with bare necessity. Looking at the way medical services have evolved over the years, it appears like it is only affordable to the demigods. The rest of the mortals can only live their lives on a prayer or just go to hell.


Even God could not help you if you walked on the wild side to cross the wrong aspect of the law, especially if you are born or happen to live on the wrong side of town. How quickly a false arrest, misunderstanding or just being in the wrong place wrong time can develop into something unbailable. Legal representation for the barrel scraper is at the liberty of the unskilled novice defender of justice. With affluence, with the best representation that money can buy, Lady Justice would gladly tilt the scales in your favour. Echoes of wrongful arrests, technicalities, loss of cold chain, incompetencies of the force may be heard loud and clear.

It is 'Animal Farm' all over again where some animals are 'more equal' than others. Some lives matter more than others.

It is all faith!

Risen (2016)


Like what my friend says, it is about love and faith. Faith gives us that tuft of hope when the going gets tough and the end seems hopeless. The fight would go on by offloading some of the pressures to an overseeing Being, while Man can continue doing what he does best. When anxiety builds up and all odds are stacked against him in an unfair distribution, Man starts asking what the meaning of life is all about. What he gets is a muted, deafening, stony impassive silence. When he thinks the Power above would be just and equal in his distribution of comfort and happiness, what he sees are random occurrences and chaos.

Nonbelievers accuse believers who surrender themselves to outlets like self-indulgences and religion as quickly laid out answers to the questions of life as committing philosophical suicide. He accepts the absurdity of our dull and futile lives by actually killing off our ability to inquire and reason. He seems to be taking the easy way out without really giving a fight.

The believers would argue that life is too complicated to be understood by our feeble mind. That life is how it is and it is all a question of faith and conviction.

This film, viewed from the point of a Roman soldier, Clavius, who is summoned by the Judean prefect, Pontius Pilate, to investigate the rumour which was rising in Jerusalem. After Jesus was crucified (referred to as Yeshua of Nazarene), his followers talk of his resurrection and a possible rebellion. This would give a bad image to Pilate since the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar is due for a visit. Clavius, the faithful and reliable soldier, has to investigate the disappearance of Yeshua's body. The movie narrates his subsequent discovery and later amazement of Yeshua's healing powers and ascension to the Heavens.

Unlike 'Passion of Christ' which relied on the gore factor as their selling point, this down-to-earth flick concentrates on character building and the telling the political manoeuvring that occurred during the last few days of the Son of God on Earth.

FALSE RELIGION

 By Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)

Those who in the name of Faith embrace illusion,
Kill and are killed.
Even the atheist gets God’s blessings –
Does not boast of his religion;
With reverence he lights the lamp of Reason
And pays his homage not to scriptures,
But to the good in man.

The bigot insults his own religion
When he slays a man of another faith.
Conduct he judges not in the light of Reason;
In the temple he raises the blood-stained banner
And worships the devil in the name of God.

All that is shameful and barbarous through the Ages,
Has found a shelter in their temples –
Those they turn into prisons;
O, I hear the trumpet call of Destruction!
Time comes with her great broom
Sweeping all refuse away.

That which should make man free,
They turn into fetters;
That which should unite,
They turn into a sword;
That which should bring love
From the fountain of the Eternal,
They turn into poison
And with its waves they flood the world.
They try to cross the river
In a bark riddled with holes;
And yet, in their anguish, whom do they blame?

O Lord, breaking false religion,
Save the blind!
Break! O break
The altar that is drowned in blood.
Let your thunder strike
Into the prison of false religion,
And bring to this unhappy land
The light of Knowledge.



[Borrowed with thanks from Jonson Chong's blog, Malaysian X]

http://www.magickriver.org/2008/08/false-religion-by-rabindranath-tagore.html