Namaste.
Today, I want to share an interesting incident that occurred yesterday after I posted about “Ma ka doodh.” I have been counselling a good old friend of mine for some time, and he has been experiencing positive changes in his life.
However, his response to my post ‘Ma Ka Doodh’/’Mother’s Milk’: Rethinking the Milk Myth and Cultural Beliefs’ dated 18.07.2023 was quite impulsive, probably because he did not really pay attention when he read my post.
My friend, who happens to be a meat consumer, wasn’t particularly pleased with my post, and he promptly sent me a message expressing his feelings. Now, I must admit, our viewpoints on this topic have always been divergent, and this post seemed to strike a sensitive chord for him. Nevertheless, since he is someone who values detailed explanations and wants to reread them, I took the time to compose a thoughtful reply.
Today, I decided to share my response publicly, albeit while protecting his real identity. I am doing it because I think it might be beneficial to others who face similar challenges when discussing contrasting beliefs. It’s a story of emotional reactions versus intelligent discussions, and I hope it provides valuable insights to those who find themselves in similar situations.
In my response, I reflect on a past incident where my friend’s reaction to one of my earlier posts was emotion-based. However, after we engaged in a conversation, he grasped the essence of my message. Similarly, in his recent message, I noticed that he reacted without fully comprehending what I wrote and without watching the film ‘Ma ka doodh,’ which I had recommended in the post.
Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about learning, and I have passed on this attitude to my son as well. Learning, for me, is an exciting journey, and I embrace any opportunity to expand my knowledge. Consequently, when someone points out my mistakes and proves them, I am genuinely grateful because it means I have gained new insights. To be honest, I am eternally grateful to all those who might have ridiculed, insulted, or even publicly belittled me because what they did worked as great causes of reflection in me and also functioned as booster rockets in my life and career. Do you remember my post ‘Treat Insults and Setbacks as ‘ROCKET FUEL?
To be honest, I am eternally grateful to all those who might have ridiculed, insulted, or even publicly belittled me because what they did worked as great causes of reflection in me and also functioned as booster rockets in my life and career. Do you remember my post ‘Treat Insults and Setbacks as ‘ROCKET FUEL?
In this message, I delve into the idea of human evolution and how embracing change and growth is essential. I stress the importance of questioning beliefs, conducting thorough research, and making informed decisions rather than blindly accepting ideas. As I often say, there’s no absolute right or wrong; there are only causes and effects. It is always the outcomes that determine whether an action is right or wrong.
I highlight the significance of living the life of a responsible soul, thinking about the consequences of our actions, and aligning them with our desired results. It’s about being conscious of what we consume, both physically and mentally, and making responsible choices.
In conclusion, I urge my friend to ponder upon these ideas and consider looking beyond traditional beliefs. I believe that embracing knowledge and critical thinking can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us. Blind faith may foster divisive ideologies, but open-mindedness can pave the way for harmony and growth. Unlike in many organised religions, nowhere in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita does Krishna ask Arjuna to BELIEVE in Him. In Shloka SBG 18:63, Krishna says: “I have taught you the secret wisdom, which is deeper than all that is confidential and profound. Reflect fully on what I have declared to you, and do what you wish to do.”
I present my response to my friend to all of you with the hope that it inspires meaningful conversations and encourages self-discovery. As I share my thoughts, I offer my sincere gratitude to the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which have enriched my perspective and whole life.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Let us all embark on a journey of continuous learning and evolution.
Stay Blessed.
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My message to my friend:
Dear friend,
do you remember that one time when I wrote something about Tamil and your response was based on emotion? Later, when we spoke, you understood what I meant. Similarly, in yesterday’s post, you read it and reacted immediately. In fact, I had already addressed all your questions in my post, even before you asked them. However, you reacted without fully comprehending what I wrote, and also without watching the two-hour film I promoted through my post.
I’m sorry to say that yours was an emotional reaction and not an intelligent one. It was the result of a typical human tendency to defend or attack when one is told that what they have been doing or what they believe in is wrong.
In my case, I must say that learning is my passion, and I have instilled the same attitude in my son. He is doing very well because he’s thrilled to learn anything and everything. If someone points out my mistakes and proves them to me, I’m only too happy because it means I’ve learned something new.
That’s why I have great respect for people who have insulted or degraded me in the past. They taught me things about myself that I didn’t know.
You asked me in your message if what people have been doing since time immemorial is wrong, I say, “Yes, they are incorrect, at least in today’s scenario!” Asking questions and learning is what I call human evolution. We all evolve, don’t we? Your daughter and grandchildren being smarter than you is a sign of progress, and you should be proud of it. If they’re not, it indicates something might be wrong with your parenting or their growth.
In my post, I have clearly said that I’m not an expert, but all I stress is that before you do something or believe something, do your research, study, figure things out for yourself, and then take action. There’s no absolute right or wrong; there are only causes and effects. It’s only up to the effects to determine whether something was right or wrong.
Therefore, before taking any action, consider the consequences. If you want a specific result, make sure your actions align with that goal. Yesterday, I was surprised by your impulsive reply; I thought you had become calmer and more peaceful. Your reaction might indicate that there was some misunderstanding because I had already provided answers to your questions in the post.
Have you thought about what the cow, whose milk you drink, was fed and injected with yesterday? Or what was injected into the chicken you ate last week? Do you know what the fish you consume, ingested from the ocean? Did you ever care to find out how poultry farms are run and the hazardous measures they take to make the chicken weigh more and appear fat to its consumers? It’s essential to be aware of these things, at least for the sake of your health and that of your loved ones.
I aim not to preach or enforce my beliefs upon you; rather, I am merely sharing my ideas. I urge you to engage in independent thinking and conduct thorough research on your own. It is crucial for everyone to safeguard themselves against blind belief systems, as they have been responsible for the proliferation of violent religions, cults, and sects, and the emergence of fraudulent figures like fake babas such as some bearded beef-eating ones, and self-proclaimed ‘divine ammas.’
Furthermore, I suggest that you ask questions and discover on your own. Haven’t I supported my arguments with relevant Shlokas from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita?
I hope you understand, my friend.
Thank you.
Tavamithram Sarvada 