To practice or to preach, that is the question

This article may offend some, and will definitely bore some, be warned. If it does, do forgive this article as the ranting of an ignoramus.

I was prompted to write this after hearing "Noor-un-ala-noor" from Meenaxi (I love the song) and reading its translation on the Internet. This song forced MF Husain to pull the movie from theatres. I am unable to locate the first page where I saw the translation but this page explains the meaning beautifully.

I have been reading the Aghora Series by Robert Svoboda of late. I would recommend this as a must-read for everyone of all faiths, and for those without faith too. One caveat is that these have to be read with an open mind. Any strait-jacketed mind, irrespective of faith (or the lack of it) may not be able to digest these books. Books like these, Autobiography of a Yogi (Paramahamsa Yogananda) keep reminding us about the unity behind various faiths in the world today. 

At the same time we have people trying to blindly propagate their faith or impose their beliefs on others dogmatically. Here I am referring to proselytizers. Further, on one side we have westerners claiming scholarship on India and her languages, faith etc. imposing their view backed by "scholarship". On the other we have people like Rajiv Malhotra countering them via Indian responses to western views. On another side we have people like Robert Svoboda, westerners who have experienced this land and have shared their experiences. Every religion today seems to have two aspects - one which is strictly religious and "by the book", rigid. The other is more spiritual dealing with the Supreme Power rather than a personal or manifested God.

The song, though Islamic in origin will probably not be liked by many Muslims, especially those following the narrow interpretation of the Taliban and their ilk (remember terrorists banning music in the Kashmir valley?). It talks about the singer seeing God everywhere, as divine light. He sees God in everything. In Hinduism this is the state of the enlightened person, the Gnani, who does not see any distinction between various forms in this creation. He has realized that everything in this creation is God, including himself. There is a line in the song where there is mention of a veil being lifted, after which the singer is able to behold the divine beauty. The Hindu calls this veil, maya. Once this is lifted realization dawns, that he is one with the power behind this creation.

This would sound blasphemous to those who follow strict interpretations of the Abrahamic religions. According to my understanding these do not allow normal people to reach a state of prophethood, a person who has realized God. However I also understand that Jesus himself talks about the Kingdom of God being within us. Look at this interpretation. This externalizes God's kingdom. However I feel the interpretation is much simpler, here, now and actually within reach. Every being irrespective of faith is inherently divine and just needs to realize that (not bookishly like I am saying now, but by experience). Once this realization dawns the person becomes one with the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent power in the universe - one may call it by any name, it is beyond names.

Now coming back to another inspiration for this article. I used to read scholarly views, doubting the origin, authenticity etc. of the religious and spiritual practices of India. I harboured some doubt myself. Then I also heard discourses by people like Chaganti Koteswara Rao, read books like the Aghora ones. Honestly I hated the book Asura and the Ramayana series by Ashok Banker which sought to retell the Ramayana. I am not saying I am free of doubt now. However, I also realize that some things are beyond argument. Apparently Adi Sankara composed the Bhaja Govindam when he saw an old man talking about grammatical principles. His advice is to go beyond texts, arguments, debates and worship the Lord before it is too late. I am guilty of what the old man did too, also I do not profess any great qualities like self control, humility, lack of egosim etc. which are the basics needed on the spiritual path. However I felt this is something which has to be put out today, when all that people seem to be doing is to debate, rather than try and experience or realize themselves. Of what use are scholarly debates, apart from dividing people? One should realize the unity behind what we see in the world today and try to improve, help oneself.