If this is "Excellent work", its about time rediff gets someone new to write a column. This article is an example of how not to write a column in a news paper. a) just because other countries show case the story of Ram does not prove that Ram existed - it shows that the story had spread through the countries around Asia where Buddhism has spread - could this be because of Asoka spreading buddhism and in doing so spread the story of Ram?? something to think about ex: most of the world knows about Harry Potter.
b)If we have to accept that Ram is after all a greak King who lived and ruled India - then is he a King or God; mind you, you cannot have it both ways. If he is a King, since India is a democracy there is no need to bow to Kingship any more.
So, please get your perspectives straight and do some real research and think about what you want to achieve before writing contentious articles such as this. The only outcome of this article is to instigate responsible people into emotional debates on religion and faith, and that is some place we do not have to go.
Note: I am an Indian who was born a hindu and I do believe in God, please do not tarnish the image of hindus and indians by publishing these kind of narrow minded articles.
RE:please get your perspective right
by Zain on Apr 15, 2008 04:24 AM Permalink
Ram was God or King? If he was a king, then why do hindus worship a ruler instead of worshiping god?
RE:please get your perspective right
by A B on Apr 15, 2008 04:42 AM Permalink
True, there is no need to bow to Kingship any more, but what does this prove here? We are even preserving the monuments of invaders - is there any opposition to that? No. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. And if Hindus think that this Setu was build by Rama, and you do not believe in that, FINE. I do not believe in every religion either. Does not mean I would go around trying to disprove their existence, no. I do not have the right to it, and neither do you. And what was the narrow mindedness about this article, kindly point out? Or better still, start writing down some 'broadminded' articles yourself- just copy paste from some western author cos thats the best people like you can do.
" Note: I am an Indian who was born a hindu " - This is not a fight between Hindus and non-Hindus, so kindly stop introducing yourself like this.
RE:please get your perspective right
by Zain on Apr 15, 2008 06:01 AM Permalink
atleast I am not trying to disporve Ram's existence. I think god has given me brain enough to realise that I cannot pass a judgement on something I dont know. So Ram was there or not.. only god knows that. I was just questioning the way he has been looked at by hindus... dont u think hindues should decide first if he is King or God? If he is king then why worship him? rather worship the god of Ram instead of Ram.
RE:please get your perspective right
by A B on Apr 15, 2008 07:13 AM Permalink
We are taught "Father is God" "Mother is God" even " Guru is God" so why cannot we worship Rama by considering him a human avatar of God? Some people think him to be God, some respect him as a human being. As long as it gives us peace of mind, you should not have any problems here.
Isn't a prophet of God put on the same pedestal as God?
Isn't the son of God worshipped as a God?
Aren't there temples and monasteries where blessed and enlightened human beings born once upon a time, are revered as Gods?
