When the wisecracks-like saying that it is not compulsory to offer something to God arises among our people ,, I simply feel sad at the way people are understanding God..
In social contracts everything is by choice..
No one can compel anyone to do anything..
Is looking after parents or offspring compulsory?
Even paying taxes is not compulsory but then the State will take away something from us that is all.
Extending the issue further we can ask.. is worship of God compulsory..? Is God compulsory..?
Ultimately it is not poverty or affluence that plays a decisive role in our public contributions..
More than devotion, the feeling self importance in declaring that I have done this or that to the public affair decides our attitude
Anyway God is considered to be our father and mother..
He will look after us whether we pay or not..
Our social customs and shastras are very clear on this issue..
When a grihasta (householder) is visiting the abode of God, the king, elderly people including teachers, houses where there are small children, houses to which daughters of the family are given in marriage, etc. he should not visit empty handed..
We can see how Kuchela (Sudhaama) had to suffer even to procure some Aval and a piece of cloth to carry it while he embarked on a visit to meet Krishna in Dvaraka..
Susheela the wife of kuchela begged or borrowed some rice from the neighbours, pounded the Aval (pounded rice.. poha ) herself though inadequately and packed them in a piece torn out of her own chela or saree which was more covered by stitches than cloth..
That is the spirit..
Sir, I do not know where else to post this.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of your posts. My knowledge of Saunskrut is just better than rudimentary.
Will keep reading your posts, though may not be very regular.
Namaskaram