Sunday, 22 March 2020
A few days back, there was a discussion on religion – what it is? What is the purpose of religion? The theory came up like- there could be unity if there is one or no religion.
That set me questioning, as to what can ever unite the world? With each one following different faiths and ideologies all coming to a common consensus was nearly impossible. The world has both believers and atheists and numerous religions. Will, we ever develop acceptance and tolerance towards others in ‘Peaceful co-existence’?
What on earth can ever unite us?
People with power and ulterior motives lead humanity their way, using religion as a tool. Group dynamics of fear and anger is used to make one human fight with another human in the name of caste, creed, region, religion, nationality, and just anything. In all this humanity becomes insignificant.
As I was pondering over religion, politics, god, and humanity, guess who joined the debate- Corona!
It seems like a movie. Movies usually leave us thinking and introspecting. However, more often than not, the movies have protagonists who set it all right in the end. The audience departs the theatre relaxed.
This stuff – is real.
This is no fiction. No superheroes are coming to save us.
The lockdowns, the confinements and the scare – all real. With an increasing number of positive Corona cases and home quarantine cases, stress is increasing. High population density, ignorance and poor personal hygiene are the catalyst to initiate this blast. With limited medical and healthcare, India sits on this bomb.
Did we all not see this coming?
Some Virus attack. Highly contagious. Discussions -if it was biological warfare, targeting some countries and economies. Pressure on medical systems. Bad guys exploiting the situation- selfish motives and inhuman traits surface. They later become prey to their greed, under the same conditions. Despair. Loneliness. Disease and suffering. Deserted, desolate streets. Morbidity, fear of death. All emotions touched.
It is not the Hollywood thriller, as a child, I had wished to be a part of. Looking forward to boasting of superhuman stamina to save the world by being part of Star Trek or Matrix. That was a childhood fantasy.
Today this is humanity in existential crisis!
Desolate streets, birds singing.
Clean sky, prevailing morbidity.
Calm restlessness everywhere.
Silence shouts loud. Paradoxes coexist.
This lockdown has slowed us in every respect. More introspection.
More respect for nature. Consumerism’s meaninglessness.
Minimalism is need of the hour.
We are learning to pause.
Maybe, we will come out of this clear and clean. Maybe.
Maybe, we will accept new perspectives and evolved mindsets. I really pray we do!
In all this, there is another irony. Role of religion and God!
I find it so striking that all the religious places, of all religions, are closed down. Has God turned us away? Does he want us to alter our perspective? Maybe he wants to say “Go home to yourself, that is where you will find me!” Maybe he wants us to look inwards!
So, not religion, not money, not a dictator, not resources, not love but fear of death has connected the entire world. Irrespective of borders, the world unites. Humanity unites to fight a virus!
Today, in the evening, I heard loud bells ringing and people clapping, banging utensils. As PM Modi had requested people to do so. If there is an astrological reason or not, I don’t know.
I conclude that group dynamics and collective consciousness does play a very important role and always would. Mass meditations and prayers do always impact. There has been a lot of research done on it. “Maharishi effect” is the term that can be googled to see more information on it.
I stepped out to feel the vibrations, all in unison. I was looking at the clear blue sky, wondering, will a miracle descend? Is there a God listening to all this? Suddenly, I felt overpowered, I felt vibrations making a magical impact on my senses. It was mesmerizing. All the neighbours smiling at each other. Enjoying clapping, striking the bells and the utensils. This act was refreshing after the day’s lockdown.
Undoubtedly, we are all connected. We are energy bodies. Unfortunately, we consider our self as matter. There has been no better living example like today when we feel so connected with each other. Connected in fear, suffering and pain.
Connected on social media- Facebook, chats, WhatsApp groups, phone calls inquiring about each other’s welfare, writing poems, showing gratitude, appreciation and love. Writing apologies to ask forgiveness.
Energy connects us as we pray, collectively – This shall too pass!
Musings - An Endeavour to writing 