The
way we had all known him, there were no signs in him that would prompt us to
think that he is going to put a full stop to his present way of life; leave
us all to single mindedly pursue God and dedicate his self to the service of
the larger humanity.
He never had any
particular interest in religiously following things such as praying, going
to temples, or any such ritual that would indicate his great worship or God.
Of-course, serving people is something any good samaritan would
gladly take-up.
However, towards the time he left home, he was said to be in lot of praying
and spiritual reading. You might recall as I explained, my home had my aged
mother who can neither understand what he is doing with clarity nor she can
advise him on matters she herself might not understand well. Even otherwise,
if someone was reading spirituality, praying (not very openly), while still
on the outside working and reporting for the New Indian Express, why one
must think that he is going to announce his departure from a life at home?
I
also remember few incidents when he argued with me about the numerous human
Gods we have in India today whom I have absolutely no respect for. All
people portray them as Gods on the basis that they are doing a lot of
charity and helping poor people.
My
argument is that "if there was enough money with us, you, me, or for that
matter any good individual with compassion in mind, would offer
help. Infosys foundation headed by Sudha Murthy (Narayana Murthys wife) is
said to be at the forefront of helping needy people. Does that make her and
her husband a human God? Those who help others are definitely doing Gods
work but that does not make them God itself. Microsoft chief Bill Gates
gives away billions to those in need, what about him as God? What about
Warren Buffet, the richest man today, who offered a great amount of money
for Bill Gates foundation for helping people, as God?
My
concept of God is one power that's beyond the comprehension of ordinary
thinking. The power that moves the world the way it does. A writer wrote in rediff.com recently that the worlds best lab can not produce a grain of rice
pointing out the presence of an infinite power. To me that mystery of life
is God. Scientists to the tune of Stephen Hawking has no real
clue about the composition of our universe. To me, that mystery of the
universe is God.
During our discussions, my brother always reiterated "he wants to see God".
I still do not understand any bit of what he was trying to say. Others who
was part of our discussion often answered him, saying, "your mother is your
living God" - but may be he was not sure?
Next :
Role of
religion in the family