That
‘excessive credulous belief in considering something is true or will occur’ and
a ‘belief in devotion or trust’ exists across the globe. But for all those
cultural credulity and belief, a very transparent line of variations subsists
in a sense that all are irrationally rational.
However,
some ‘irrational beliefs’ as one may call them are sometimes genetic and territorial
in nature. So, what one belief firmly may sound ridiculous to the other, which
in turn qualifies to be a substance enough to ignite a tsunami of laughter.
Late
recently, a lady from Shillong chortled after the valediction of the
International Conference we attended together at Sherubtse College when I said,
“May you have a rebirth in my country” in response
to her recurrent would-be-missing-the-tranquillity-and-serenity of my country
avowal.
 |
| Wheel of life in Buddhism. |
As
much as it sounded derisive for my spiritual belief by this lady from the
‘Scotland of the East’, factually, rebirth doctrine is one instrumental string
of belief that helms one’s faith in Buddhism. Buddhists, in general, have this
ancient and historical belief in the blood that virtuous and pious deeds during our
current existence will result in a swift rebirth, better than the present human
realm due to one’s karmic action. We believe in that ‘environmental result’ where
the present wealthy and the prosperous are the desired outcomes of relinquishing
the material possessions in their previous life and have therefore offered to
others in need. The poor and unhealthy at present are simply the otherwise.
In the same vein, most of the
beliefs in Buddhism are mostly intertwined with logical extractions. Dreams
that are grotesquely odd and mysterious are often considered a bad omen or premonitions,
thus demanding suitable spiritual interventions to pacify them. Days and dates in
the lunar calendar are programmed with the astrological interpretations of
being auspicious and promising or inauspicious and ominous. The choice of colour
of the new car, wedding dates and roofing of the newly constructed structures to name
a few, are never free of such transcendent interpretations. That ‘spiritual
connectivity allowing us to show reverence to nature as life-bearing
identity grounds our belief to further ennoble it.
These age-old beliefs and interpretations
have withstood the storm of globalization. So for me, as long as that psychological and
psychosomatic well being is taken care of, the beliefs embedded with the
principles of Buddhism shall never shrink from the amulet of my mind.
“Superstition
is the religion of feeble minds” Edmund Burke
Dumcho...as I read this wonderful post, I was powerfully struck by the similarities between your beliefs and my own (as a Pagan Druid).
ReplyDeleteThere is a very thin line between belief systems and irrational superstition...I know that from personal experience. I have often made offerings to the Old Gods when transitioning difficult periods in my life, and indeed, have at those times become very superstitious.
None have made any difference, however...for Karma is, I am totally convinced, the basis of every life experience.
Thank you so much for yet another illuminating post, my friend!
Have a great weekend.:))