वक़्त का कोई ठिकाना नहीं
कब है कब रवाना सही
छूट जाते हैं पीछे साथी
छूट जाते हैं पीछे साथी
कल जश्न तो आज बर्बादी 

In Search of a Benevolent God

I wouldn’t call myself religious by any measure. Usually religion brings to mind images of rituals, superstition, blind faith and even fear to some extent.

The need for religion among masses, seems obvious however.

When life is fraught with uncertainties and there is much strife, religion or simply the idea of a God offers comfort, solace and hope.

Growing up in India, I have seen people fast, discriminate, perpetuate injustices and even kill in the name of religion. They seem convinced they are doing this in the name of God. Perhaps the trouble arises when our interpretation of God becomes confounded with religion. Fearing God is not just a trait popular in India but the rest of the world as well. The concept of "sin" comes to mind. Is is a tenuous concept - how do we disentangle religion from morality? Are these concepts overlapping? Is one the subset of another? And isn't morality a function of the zeitgeist? I am just a tad befuddled by the concept. 

Sociologists state that if all religions were to be abolished one day, the void remaining would still engender other institutions not very different from the religions we know of. Such is human nature. Perhaps we do need religion to define the scope of our lives. Even atheists define themselves by claiming the non-existence of God, so the very concept exists in juxtaposition to the concept of religion and consequently God.

Believing that God is something to be feared is a thought I would rather not harbour. In my mind God does not instil fear or seek sacrifice. In my mind, God is ever kind, without judgment and ever benevolent.

Ten Reasons Why Travel is The Best Thing You Can Do For Yourself

Recommended Song: Earnestly Yours (feat. Ren Ford) -Kreaton Henson 

1. Anthropological Reasons aka New Friends and Cultural Discoveries : Not that you need more friends, but the possibility of making friends from new countries, sharing in their lives and stories - sitting all night discussing arranged marriages in one culture to dating in another. Fascinating course in anthropology right there.

 2.  Abandoning the Familiar: Change is scary but can also be the most rewarding. Once you are out of the streets of your existing life, you will find new streets which would be as welcoming. You can be whatever you want to be when you travel. There is no one to judge. How would you know what you want if you don't experience it first hand? Leaving the familiar is a step closer to finding yourself.
    

3. Gastronomy: Hummus in the Middle East, Mozarella di Bufala and Parmesano in Rome, Macarons in Paris, Patatas Bravas in Madrid, Green Curry in Phuket, Dumplings in Guangzhou, Key Lime Pie in Florida, Fries with sauce in Dam Square in Amsterdam, Chocolates in Brugge, Pretzels in Nuremberg, Funnel Cake in Budapest, Pastel de Belem in Lisbon, Pao Bhaji in Mumbai, Aloo Chaat in Delhi, Fondue in Zermatt - sigh, I get hungry just writing this, and there is so much more for every palate and diet.

  

4. The Memories: You will bring back incredible tales back from your travels. Ones that you can tell your grandchildren. Granted all tales won't be of fun and adventure, there may be some lost bags, the odd sickness and heartaches, but trust me 10 years down the line you will be glad you made those memories.
  

5. The Research: Research has shown that experiences make us happier longer than purchase of material things anyway. The anticipation of the experience coupled with the experience makes it even more endure longer . What better way to spend your money? (For the research click Here).

6.The Way of Life: You can read all the books you want - but until you see the Dutch cycling to work in their business suits or the Spaniards partying till 6 am or an Italian giving you a lecture on how to really eat a Pizza you will not be able to understand the way of life of different cultures. The pace at which a city or a country moves, the friendly smiles, the welcoming gestures, even the silence has a story. It's your task to find it.

7. The Language: You may not learn a whole new language but will definitely be able to say please, thank you, sorry in multiple languages, understand signs, order food you like, get on to buses, trains and take taxis. That's a useful life skill to add to your repertoire.

8. Living in the Now: Travel forces you to live in the now. This road, this sky, these steps. That's all there is. 

9. Getting Lost: Yes, this is an important part of travel. Get lost in streets of an unknown city. Get Lost while driving somewhere. That is how you stumble upon some of the best places.Even if you don't, you will remember it for the rest of your life.

10. The Journey: Travel for travels sake. Not for the destination alone but for the journey as well. Airports, train stations-places, trains, buses all have a story. How many people move through this airport every day? 1 million? 10 million? How many trains travel to this city? 10? 100? What is the speed at which you move? 800kmph? 100kmph? When do you reach?  You reach when you are ready. 

All Photos Copyright Mudra Mukesh (c)