Does the author tend to say that "luxury" is a bad word? Why have we always been told that if someone is poor, then they are the most spiritual as well as a perfect human being, but if someone is rich and is living in luxury, they are the most corrupt and the worst human-being of all.
We, as Indians, definitely need to change our mindset and try to keep up to pace with developed countries because the fact is that India is not yet a part of the developed world. Being a developed nation won't hurt us, it would only improve the standard of living in our country.
For once, we should compare what India has given to the world, and what the world (specifically developed countries) has given to India, and we whatever we are using today has been actually driven from the western world. This is the ultimate truth. Ranging from a pen to an aeroplane, everything has been invented by America/Europe.
RE:Some questions regarding the article?
by Dravidian on Nov 08, 2007 09:04 AM Permalink
Shouldn't we also ask what the western world took from India? For the answer you only need to look at how the British stole trillions of rupees worth of resources. There are many other things like the so-called Indo-Arabic (nothing Arabic about them) numerals, but anyway, all this is irrelevant. The author is talking about spiritual things here.
May the happy festival bring in joy and usher a new era in which all Indians regardless of thier religion can live and work together and make India a super power.
Diwali is the worship of Lakshmi, not Saraswati. People think that no matter how much blessings they have from Saraswati, they cannot survive if Lakshmi does not bless them. On the other hand, one can survive without Saraswati's blessings if one is blessed by Lakshmi. Lakshmi and Saraswati are both necessary but in the modern consumerist society, Saraswati is losing her prominence from the lives of people. But no matter how much Lakshmi blesses us, our brains, actions and ideas need to be governed by Saraswati. Only she can save us from the path of spiritual suicide that we have all embarked on.
RE:Diwali is worship of Lakshmi, not Saraswati
by Sampath Kumar on Nov 08, 2007 10:46 PM Permalink
In this context, following old article on this rediff is worth a dekho
The no. 1 thing to do on diwali is to be light on to oneself. Look within and work to remove darkness inside and u will be shining like light automatically. I dont mean to preach but i have attended few spiritual course and wow, my life is so different. I can only request people to do them and get the benefits. Oraganisation like Sri Sri's art of living, vipassana, osho dhara, landmark forum. They help tremendously in becoming light on to yourself. SHUBH DIPAWALI.
First thing we indian have to understand that Luxury, matarialsim is not bad word. We have lived in poverty for so many years, and now like to be fooled by politicians like communists, union leaders and others who give big talks about poor. And we get carried away. We totally forget that he is misleading us. Materialsim, intense buying/selling is only way that can save india. It will help many pvt company to grow and creat jobs and income for more and more indians. Its also true that luxury items will be used by very few since our mindset is like that. Avergare Marvadi, sindhi who have a lot of money will not buy luxury stuff because his mind set is to just keep the money in bank and suffocate the economy. But the rising middle class of india defietely understnad this. They are ready to consume quality goods/services because they know thats only mantra behind wealth, income creation for people, society
In an era when the so called national leaders perform themselves in such a way that even the staunchest Indian feel ashamed of being an Indian, Gautier's articles always makes one feel pround of being an Indian.
The fact that though a Frenchman by birth he did not come to India enamoured by the beauty of Indian woman but by the beauty of Indianess and that he continues to live in India without the lure of any Power or pelf makes him a much greater Indian than any of us.
He reminds me of the other westerners who fell in love with the beauty of Indian culture and tradition like Annie Beasant, Sister Nivedita, etc., whose mission in life was not to de-nationalise Indians.
RE:Great piece
by Dravidian on Nov 08, 2007 07:13 AM Permalink
The crown jewel of India is its spiritual contribution, which, in my opinion, is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Couldn't agree more. Hindu spiritualism is the oldest, vibrant and most meaningful. It could not be killed by uncultured invading islamic barbarians or the arrogant white man. All people should recognize that they are or were part of this great culture and spirituality. There are many anti Hindu hindus who are hell bent on annihilating hinduism.They should be severely punished. The only way to do is tovote in the elections against parties which an anti hindu agenda
