The other day, I was speaking with an old friend when the conversation turned to the tragic stampede at the Kumbh Mela in February 2025 and the official reports highlighting severe faecal contamination in the very waters where thousands had taken ‘holy’ dips. My friend took offence at my remarks and became almost aggressive and confrontational. He insisted that people have the right to their beliefs and that I had no business questioning them.
I want to highlight two important points here:
My friend, like many others, fails to recognise that while he demands respect for people’s beliefs, there are also those who do not subscribe to such beliefs—and they, too, have a right to their views.
My argument was never about belief itself, but about the reckless endangerment of thousands of lives and the pollution of a river they themselves deem ‘holy’ with faecal contamination!
The issue with my friend remains unresolved! So, my old friend is willing to risk our friendship over this thing called belief! Christopher Hitchens rightly said that religion poisons everything.
The most crucial point, however, is that in Advaita Vedanta—the highest attainment on the Vedic path known as Sanatana Dharma—there is no concept of belief. It is a path of knowledge, direct experience, and realisation, not blind faith.
Yet, many continue to follow irrational beliefs and rituals without questioning their origins or validity. These inherited practices are often carried out simply because they are part of tradition, with little thought given to their purpose. How often do people stop to ask: Why am I doing this? Does it make sense?
To encourage critical thinking and deeper reflection, I am reposting two videos that examine the absurdity of beliefs and rituals. These videos challenge the notion that faith alone is enough, exposing how unquestioned traditions shape societies and hinder individuals from seeking true knowledge.
Vedanta emphasises reason and self-inquiry. Instead of surrendering to superstition, one must strive to understand reality as it is, not as it is imagined or dictated by blind faith. True wisdom lies in breaking free from irrational dogmas and seeing the world with clarity.
Unfortunately, as laziness is easier and more comfortable than using our brains and thinking critically, most people prefer the easier route of blindly believing things rather than questioning, studying, and researching.
I invite you to watch these videos with an open mind and reflect on the impact of unquestioned beliefs in your own life.
Newspaper article regarding the pollution of the river Ganga: “High levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) were found in river water in which people took holy dip during Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh, according to a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal by the Central Pollution Control Board.”
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.
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?
Tavamithram Sarvada 