We live in tumultuous times. Most of us use Religion and God as anchors to steady us in turbulent waters. I remember sincerely chanting the “Hanuman Chalisa” every time I had a major exam (which at that age was turbulence) and visiting the temple promptly when the results were due. Truly a shallow act. I now realize being religious should be akin to being spiritual. Believing in the goodness and generosity of the Universal Power is more profound than blindly following the rituals.
Rituals do guide us, yes….but it’s the unflinching faith in the Supreme Power that navigates us in treacherous waters. This I have learnt from my parents who are deeply spiritual but not at all ritualistic. I have learnt more from watching them live their lives in gratitude and faith than I have in the religious classes I used to attend as a child.
I don’t have to visit the temple to prove my devotion I can do it right here at home in my heart if I live by the principles of love, compassion, service and gratitude. This is the legacy I want to pass on to my kids…
“Mother,what is religion?”
My child asked me one day
“Is it just different ways
To worship Him and pray?“
“And what do they ask for when they pray
Do they ask for riches more?
Fame? Beauty? Stardom?
Mansions? Wealth galore?”
“Child, religion is more than just a prayer,
It is an inner discipline,
The way in which you live your life
When you surrender to Him.
Religion is about having Faith,
Accepting what comes your way,
Knowing all happens for the best,
And being grateful every day.“
“Mother, doesn’t religion teach you to look away
From one who’s not your own,
Don’t all wars start in His name
When hearts are filled with scorn?“
“Child, the essence of every religion
Is all just the same
All teach about loving humanity
They just give it different names.
They could not be farther from the truth,
When they argue and fight,
Or worse still kill in His name,
To prove that they are right.“
And it’s not when they read the texts,
Or sing songs in His praise,
But when they fill their hearts with love,
That they receive His Grace.
So one who’s true to his religion,
Will be one who’s good and just,
One who’s kind to his fellow men,
And worthy of their trust.
And when he sits in prayer child,
He will ask to be blessed
With compassion and kindness
Not with riches or wealth.
After all,our souls sing in unison,
Our hearts beat in rhythm,
No matter what our religion,
We are all reflections of Him.
Feature Post image credits: Man vector created by macrovector_official – www.freepik.com
Vidya Writes 
Dear Vidya, The poem is really wonderful! Reflects the true significance of religion, which is a way to spirituality. May God bless you!
Appa
P.S. Amma is yet to read your poem. She has gone for some music practice. I just read this after you telephoned and at once made my comments
and yet in times of desperation when the end is not in my hand…….I still turn and pray….Hail Marys or gayatri mantras….promise to do more fasts, poojas or even visit the temple if the end is favorable…cause it is in my faith in Him that I find hope and solace and if the results are not so favorable I pray again that it will all work out in the end or maybe my prayers might have helped me dodge a worse end.