The feeling of `mine' and the domination of `I' in us create factions. They divide, separate and differentiate.
We start clinging firmly to our conviction even after understanding its triviality. Blind beliefs will not be ready to wear spectacles to set right their myopia. Fanaticism can be for anything - religion, language, race, sect, caste or tribe. Antagonism can arise even for difference in admiration.
We fight with fists for asserting our affection. Attachment of any type is awful as it blinds the reason and blurs the senses in the long run.
We want to affix the stamp `mine' on the universal truth and try to restrain the ocean in our tiny tumblers.
Our fight is not for the truth but for our own suzerainty. We relish the fight and enjoy overpowering others. Hence, we invent a reason to subvert a person. We ruffle our feathers readily to cross others when conditions are conducive. That is why we have two countries with same communities, race and language at loggerheads.
Every vested interest unites people by identifying intersecting hatred. Our unity is intact till a common foe is around. Thus, fabricated fraternity is administered like artificial insemination.
Mao said that our stratagems are decided by our rivals. As a matter of fact, even our integration is influenced by them. Our solidarity and consolidation are the outcome of weakness and not a demonstration of strength.
Every individual has his belief system. Being irreligious is also a religion of its own kind. Atheists and agnostics too have their postulates on religion and it differs from person to person. Their concept need not match with those of the members of their denomination. Religion is the sum and substance of beliefs, faiths, expectations, fears and notions. Non-belief is also a belief.
Those who deny have their own concept of hell and heaven. Prison is hell and palace, heaven for a few. Sin is unregistered FIR for crime. We have thousand and one ways to console and compensate our failures and disappointments.
Actually, there are no issues to remain divided. Ego creates imaginary issues and vandals reap the harvest from organised animosity. An open mind appreciates the best that creeps in from various corners and assimilates them wholeheartedly. When religion cannot spread love, it is not religion at all. If conversion is construed as violence, rendering one vulnerable and amenable for it is equally poignant. Gods are never at the mercy of human beings and do not crave for their protection.
Hence, we can have as many religions as there are individuals in the world and even more allowing allowance for defection and conversion. With this framework of mind there will be no trials or riots.
V. IRAI ANBU
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