A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com or Bally 416-992-2487.

This is the 21st in a series of articles by Balliram Chadee and Hotshots Newspaper to bring a Hindu Perspective to educate our community. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

Question: What is the difference between Idealism vs. Realism as seen by Hindus?

Ans: As Hindus in today's world, we are all faced with the challenge and dilemma of the concept of Idealism vs. Realism . What exactly does this mean? What are the effects to us as Hindus? What difference does it make anyway? Should we care? Is it different in North America than in the Caribbean ? Does it mean we are any less Hindus? Are we short falling in our obligations? These are some of the questions which many of us have asked ourselves, asked each other or who asked me personally. I do not profess to have all the answers, but would like to share my thoughts today.

In the Ideal world of Hinduism or in the period of Vedic truths and life, the philosophy of living encompassed varying as well as specific principles. Many of these doctrines or principles were documented and are still enshrined in our various scriptures; the same scriptures we use today. The reality of the situation is however, today we seem to see things usually in the manner it suits us best, to our own satisfaction, and to our own likeness. In situations where sacrifice is required or needed, we are prepared to trade off these for quick fixes, short efforts and for less demanding tasks. We as Hindus, make excuses for why we can't do or perform certain tasks or religious requirements rather than try to encompass those same demands in our daily lives. We who came from the Caribbean region, would remember how our rituals were conducted, in the open air outside under bamboo tents with the natural wind blowing and the sounds of birds chirping etc. We would also remember using mango wood and pitch pine for burning in Havan, very generously and elaborately to our satisfaction. We went to the back yard and picked fresh paan leaves, duuba grass, mango leaves, flowers etc. All important ingredients and requirements needed to perform our tasks in an Ideal situation, right? So now that we live in Canada , as Hindus, with the same religious and spiritual expectations, under the same doctrines etc, how do we live through those same scenarios in the Real situation which we face?

As Hindus, we must remember, we have no choice in this matter, since we live in a REAL world , NOT in an IDEAL world . As a result, we have to always remember that Place, Time and Circumstance will dictate how we live our lives. Our beliefs, philosophy and doctrines must never change. The tenets of Dharma and Hinduism remained the same. The message was never changed. The texts stayed the same. The requirements and ingredients for sacrificial duties are intact as they were…so then what changed? As Hindus in Canada , we would know and accept that in the Ideal world, the problems we face today were absolutely absent; re: corruption, immorality, intolerance, non discipline, ill respect etc…all the critical aspects for a healthy and successful lifestyle in an Ideal world, right? So don't you think these are the same requirements for success in the Real world? If so, then why are we still challenged about Idealism vs. Realism in the world we live. It is simple, look at the situations above, evaluate our own lives, measure our own commitments and we would see why!.

In summary, I would like to say clearly that as Hindus, it is left upon us to create a physical pathway on how we choose to live our lives, Karma dictates the rest. Surely we perform puja and rituals in basement, inside our homes here, in the winter, restricted by policies of politics, environment, foreign land etc, but our beliefs must always be at the top of our minds. We have a tried and tested formula for success as Hindus, practiced for thousands of years and still extremely strong for those who believe in it. Hinduism is a way of life, an Ideal religion for those who believe whole heartedly. It is a religion of symbolism; everything has a purpose, a meaning and a reason. It brings about the right actions, solutions and benefits to those who believe and practice with sincerity and faith. The benefits and results depend on your actions and conduct. You can do the Ideal things in the Real world if you really want to. Ignore others, do what you know is right and the results will be yours. You be the judge!