The god men in our lives: The divine and the not so divine part of it

It is in human nature to continuously take challenges and excel. It is this nature that has been responsible for the survival of our species. And it is in the throes of these challenges that we need to believe, we need to have faith.

In those unnerving moments before exam results are out, before cracking that first deal for one’s own business and before Sachin walks out to chase that 300 plus score against Australia, we hope, we believe, that there is that force that will provide the impetus for that 99% marks, for that Rs. 25 lakh deal, for that elusive finals victory.

But what is this belief? In whom should we believe? The Greater being or the intermediaries like saints,swamis,babas and gurus or both? The answer is: it really doesn’t matter. What works for me, works for me, what works for you, works for you! I believe in God, in the omnipresent form of Allah, Jesus and Krishna (in alphabetical order), as much as you believe in Swami _______, and Tom Cruise believes in Scientology.

As long as our beliefs continue to make us strive for our good, the community’s good, such belief is desired. The problem starts when such beliefs start pushing us towards the realm of irrational ism, towards the bosom of superstition.

The men, who indoctrinate us on the belief in the Greater being, show their human fallacies ever so often, and many times so ridiculously.

I went to Thane’s only co-ed convent school presided over by a Padre. And it is here on the church’s wall that every December I used to find those posters on “miracle congregations”. These gatherings of faith, where supposedly the blind regained sight, and more such miracles. 12 years in that school and not a single documented incident of such “miracle”.

Then we had that incident where Lord Ganesh idols were “drinking” milk. As spoonfuls of milk sold outside these temples reached astronomical prices, we all know for who the “miracle” was.

Baba R’s popularity from preaching on simple yoga exercises helped him reach a cult status. And although we have had internationally renowned yoga experts long before him, Baba R is a much better showman, better at reaching out and connecting with the masses. I have benefited a lot from his exercises, but his claims of yoga curing cancer and aids are sheer nonsense. It is this publicity for yoga against allopathic medicine that will prevent the patients from getting themselves treated until it might be too late.

There are many god men (and god women) who proudly flaunt their industrialist and politician bhakts. But their worship might not be as much spiritual as it might be influential. Check out Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Corporate” to understand this godmen-industrialist-politician alignment (nexus might be the right word).

And we all know where did Chandraswami’s advice lead Narsimha Rao to? A CBI Investigation!

My favorite aunt visits one such Baba’s camps. She says she has the most relaxing feeling after participating in such camps. I want the very best for my aunt, but along with the relaxation come stacks of shockingly priced MP3 CDs on shloks, garishly colored bead malas, posters and so many such paraphernalia.

She must have spent about a lakh rupees on such camps. And she is new convert here. There will be thousands before her. Where does all this money go? Some of it apparently finds its ways in the much publicized hospitals, schools and colleges. But whether these hospitals and engineering/medical colleges are a philanthropic activity or just money making avenue is something that is not that publicized.

One of my school friend’s worships another such cult guru and it has brought in him some very desirable spiritual attributes. But he now interacts mostly within that mass group only. The group is full of educated professionals and they are resourceful. My friend has got a job in reputed IT firm through this association and this association has also helped him and his sibling in getting suitable life partners. The flip side is such benefits are seemingly enjoyed only by members who are followers of this guru. Signs of favoritism?

Let us enjoy such tangible as well as the intangible benefits of following our beliefs in those we worship. But let’s spend a moment every now and then, thinking about how it all happens.