Songsoptok
SONGSOPTOK: «Belief is simple acceptance that a proposition is true,
without regard to reason(s) while faith is the acceptance of a proposition
rather than an epistemological (evidence-based) reason.” Does this reflect your
understanding of the two words? If so, why? If not, then how would you
distinguish between the two?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Yes
SONGSOPTOK: Each person can inherit, adopt or construct her own set of
beliefs and faiths, or it is a combination of the two. How would you qualify
your own personal set? Were your faiths and beliefs handed down to you by
someone? Who? Or were they acquired? If so, how?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: The faiths and
beliefs have been largely acquired. It has been result of experiences,
interactions with the human race and close observation of nature.
SONGSOPTOK: In your own personal sphere, do you consider worship as a religious
act involving rites, rituals or other types of practices? Or is it related to
something that transcends religion? Can you explain your position with some
examples?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Worship, as it
is generally understood, is inevitably associated with rites and practices and inescapably
gets connected to some religion. To me, it transcends religion. It’s a silent
connection with something – it varies, but I have no doubt that true worship
celebrates silent moves.
SONGSOPTOK: “Faith takes over where
reason leaves off” – do you agree? Can you explain your point of view?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Yes. “Reason”
has been perhaps construed with more powers than it should have. We explain things with reason, only when it
is in the domain of human understanding. However, our understanding is largely
limited – much more than we can ever imagine. Faith takes off beyond this
boundary of reason.
SONGSOPTOK: Did you ever face a conflict between your beliefs, reason and
knowledge? How do you react to such situations?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Yes. In such
cases I rely on my own understanding of life and situations. It generally
transcends beliefs and often reasoning!!
SONGSOPTOK: Are you a believer? What do you believe in?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Yes I am. I
believe in humanity and positivity.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that it is essential to convince and convert others
to your own system of beliefs and faiths? Why? Can you please describe the
reasons for your answer?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Not at all. Its
for each one to understand and appreciate her/his own stand.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that each individual has some form of faith or
belief, whether related to religion or not? If yes, then what do you think are
the main reasons?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: Till now, the
people I have met, subscribed to some form of belief. To be statistically correct, perhaps I have
not met enough people to answer this question.
SONGSOPTOK: “A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship
Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on
the walls of his cell.” said C.S. Lewis. Do you agree with this view? Or do you
think that some form of worship is indispensable for humans? Why?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY:Worship is not
indispensable for humans, as long as he is peaceful and compassionate. In fact, by the wrong ways of worship and
practicing the wrong tenets of religion can do more harm than good. However,
true worship can teach respect… you may worship “God”, “nature” or “humans”…
but the common thread is simple – you are respectful and compassionate towards
life and perhaps the unknown forces which govern life forms.
SONGSOPTOK: You may or may not choose to answer this – but nevertheless we
would like to know who do you worship? Why do you worship? How do you worship?
And above all, in what way does it help you in your everyday life?
SAMRAT MUKHOPADHYAY: I worship nature
and the forces which have molded things which never stops amazing me. I do not
worry about how to define what I worship. Even in the trees which have no
leaves, I see a mindboggling symmetry in the same tree; while an astounding variety
between the two adjacent ones. There is something very surprising about the
slow creative forces which evolve so beautifully in nature… trying to keep the
tender balance yet make it so stunning.
It helps me keep grounded. It helps me appreciate that I am a collection
of these dust particles which essentially I would one day happily disintegrate
into.
SAMRAT
MUKHOPADHYAY: A faculty with IIT Delhi. Loves to interact with his students.. .
and general human beings. He loves to learn from life and the smallest
creations of nature. Music and photography are very close to his heart.. so are
simple human beings and creatures around him.
During the solitary walks with his camera, he loves to get lost and
outdo any form of identity which he is supposed to be associated with. Trying to do something meaningful in life .
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope we shall have your continued asupport.
Aparajita
Sen
(Editor:
Songsoptok)
0 Comments
