Tag: Critical Thinking

Why Tavamithram is Never Aligned to Any Particular Group, Ashram, Agama, Paddhathi, Sects, Subsects, Guru, Swamy, Dress Code, Traditions, Religion etc.

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Throughout my life, I have observed a significant connection between beliefs, the desire to belong to groups, and the thirst for knowledge and self-confidence. My personal attitude has always been to stand alone. It’s crucial to clarify that my reluctance to belong to groups should not be mistaken for hubris. I simply prefer solitude, as my strong ideas often diverge from the majority, who are frequently swept away by traditions—something Krishna himself admonishes even before the conclusion of Chapter 2 in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

To illustrate the extent to which I go to avoid belonging to a group, let me share an example from my past. Many years ago, I was a motorcycle stuntman in Indian films, doubling for lead stars and performing death-defying stunts. In the film industry, numerous unions exist for various trades, including actors, directors, make-up artists, dancers, photographers, and others. Naturally, there was also a union for stuntmen, and I was expected to join. However, I refused to be tied down by group membership, choosing instead to remain independent. Consequently, I willingly accepted a penalty of twenty-five per cent of my earnings for not being a member. Despite this, I chose to pay the penalty each time I earned money performing stunts.

I’ve observed that individuals who are rather low on self-confidence or a sense of personal substance usually seek strength in numbers by joining groups. Being part of a group provides reassurance and a sense of belonging. Within these groups, members usually share common beliefs or philosophies, forming the basis of their unity. However, I think that belonging to a group compels individuals to adopt the group’s ideology, limiting their ability to think and act independently. I prefer the freedom to think for myself and analyse matters in my own way. Groups typically consist of like-minded individuals, which signifies a lack of diverse thought. This, in turn, stifles intellectual development and curtails opportunities for new ideas to emerge.

As an ardent learner, I find great fascination in encountering people whose ideas challenge my own, compelling me to think outside the box. This is the essence of personal evolution.

It’s essential to clarify that I do not hold beliefs in the conventional sense; instead, I possess perspectives. I have unwavering trust in my intelligence, intellect, and experiences, considering myself a keen learner in every situation I encounter.

While belonging to a group can provide a sense of security, it can also hinder personal growth and self-discovery. True self-confidence emerges from understanding and standing firm in one’s perspectives, even when they diverge from the prevailing norms of a group. By cultivating self-awareness and introspection, individuals can develop a stronger, more authentic sense of self. I am not suggesting anything against groups; rather, I strongly advocate for retaining one’s freedom to question, think, and express oneself.

Among the most detrimental effects groups can have on intellectual development is the deification of central figures, often referred to as Gurus or Babas. The story of the 24 Gurus of Sage Dattatreya aims to dismantle the false notion of being tethered to a single guru, suggesting that anything and everything that helps dispel ignorance can be considered a guru. To quote Shri Ramana Maharshi: “Your own Self-Realisation is the greatest service you can render the world.”

In Shloka SBG 2:45, Krishna instructs Arjuna: “Vedic literature deals with subjects that fall under the three Gunas. O Arjuna, you should rise above the three, be free from dualities, always remain in Sattva or goodness, and be established in the Self.”

A true teacher should guide individuals to clear their ignorance and advance towards the ultimate goal of Atma-gnyaana, or knowledge of the Self. However, how many truly do this? Many, adorned in flowing robes and sporting long beards, strut about like proud peacocks, claiming to possess all knowledge.

It is indeed disheartening to witness children and youth from families not converted to foreign religions being lured into the illusory world of meaningless beliefs, rites, and rituals.

I conclude this post with Shlokas SBG 4:37 and 38. 

37: “Just as a blazing fire burns firewood into ashes, O Arjuna, knowledge burns all actions and reactions into ashes.” 

38: “There is certainly nothing more purifying than knowledge. He who is perfect in Yoga finds it in the Self in due course of time.”

May you stay abundantly blessed.

Jai Shri Krishna