So, who are you?

Sociology is one subject that has always smitten me. We as individuals, have our own beliefs, ideas, perceptions to the world around us, and to the society. Some of these are taught, some are learnt. All of us have some kind of social conditioning. We all have our own personalities.

Religion is a powerful tool, in shaping personalities. So powerful, that it sometimes clouds our vision. It is such a touchy topic, that I usually avoid discussing it, at all costs.
Most people (at least the ones I have met) aren’t able to discuss the ‘philosophy’ behind their religion. Most aren’t even interested in knowing about another religion or what it says.

I follow Hinduism. However, I have read the Bible (having studied in a Christian college) as well as the translation of the message of the Koran. I have also studied the message of Buddhism. I do not claim to be an expert at all. There is so much more to learn. Every religion has so much to teach.No religion is superior or better than the other.

In case you are interested in knowing about different world religions this is a good link.(click on underlined)




Personally, I find the philosophy in the Bhagavad Gita (a holy book of the Hindus, originally in Sanskrit, dating back to 300 or 400 BC) very useful. The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of the Vedas and Upanishads. It is a universal scripture applicable to people of all temperaments, for all times. It is a book with powerful thoughts and practical instructions. The Bhagavad Gita has influenced many great thinkers over the years.

This is the message of the Gita. (Courtesy—Google)

BHAGAVAD GITA SUMMARY (in English)

Why do you worry without cause? Whom do you fear without reason? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born, nor does it die.

Whatever happened, happened for the good; whatever is happening, is happening for the good; whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only. You need not have any regrets for the past. You need not worry for the future. The present is happening.

What did you lose that you cry about? What did you bring with you, which you think you have lost? What did you produce, which you think got destroyed? You did not bring anything - whatever you have, you received from here. Whatever you have given, you have given only here. Whatever you took, you took from God. Whatever you gave, you gave to him. You came empty handed, you will leave empty handed. What is yours today, belonged to someone else yesterday, and will belong to someone else the day after tomorrow. You are mistakenly enjoying the thought that this is yours. It is this false happiness that is the cause of your sorrows.

Change is the law of the universe. What you think of as death, is indeed life. In one instance you can be a millionaire, and in the other instance you can be steeped in poverty. Yours and mine, big and small - erase these ideas from your mind. Then everything is yours and you belong to everyone.

This body is not yours, neither are you of the body. The body is made of fire, water, air, earth and ether, and will disappear into these elements. But the soul is permanent - so, who are you?