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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: The concept of belief involves a
subject (the believer) who presumes an object (the proposition). The term
‘belief’ certainly refers to personal attitude towards ideas and concepts. It
does not require introspection and circumspection. It is deeply rooted in the
mind of the beholder based on individual distinction or inherited ideology. I
shall quote C.S. Lewis here,” I believe in Christianity as I believe that the
sun has risen: not only because I see it but because by it, I see everything
else”.
Faith is an important constituent
element of the teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is often described as:
-A Conviction that something is
-A determination to accomplish ones
goals
-a sense of joy deriving from the other
two
Faith is that inner strength or spirit
that lets you think through even the toughest times. Sometimes it is simply the
pillar one needs to fall back upon when in despair. As Ramakrishna figured out
that all our prayers are answered. We just have to have faith and drop all
fear. I shall now draw your attention towards a real life example of mine. In 1972, we met with a terrible accident
while going to Hardwar. I lost my aunt and grandmother. My father and I started
believing that it is the place that is unlucky for us. We decided never to go
back to that place again. This is belief! My mother, however, thought
otherwise. She had faith in God who gave her immense strength and assurance to
travel alone to the holy place! She enjoyed her two-day
trip and returned safely, thus, proving the trust and confidence that motivated
her for the trip. This is faith!
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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: My personal set is a combination of the
two factors- inherit and construct. My mother was a pious lady. I grew up
amidst the chanting of mantras, witnessing various rituals, and observing her
sincere dedication. She used to wake up exactly at 4 am irrespective of cold
winter mornings, take bath despite the cold water and worship. She even
dispensed her duties with equal dexterity. But in the process, she developed
certain ailments. I did inherit the faith from her that helped me build my
courage and self- confidence. But I constructed my own way of worshiping. I
believe that valuing the tenement God has gifted us brings us closer to God
than restraining our body from basic necessities would. My mother chose a path
of selfless sacrifice while mine was to build the trust and confidence to
improve my temperament and conduct of life.
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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: God’s nature and power is independent
of the material world. There is a saying- one who serves people serves God.
Buddha said sacrifices cannot change a man’s destiny. Sacrifices and rituals
are empty ceremonies. My way of worshipping is, to an extent, is influenced by
great saints like him and I do not stick to any religion in particular. India,
despite being a developing country, disburses generous amounts of fund for
festivities. One can fathom the kind of progress that would have been possible,
had these funds been directed towards more constructive work. This was well
told in the film “Oh My God”, where the protagonist strongly insists on the scores
of milk, wasted in rituals, to be better used for feeding the needy. This idea
struck a chord in me. I love visiting the Lotus Temple in Delhi where there is
no deity and visitors can pray in their own way. To me, religion or ‘dharma’,
is something above baseless rituals and rites. True dharma lies in helping
those in need, being humble, helpful and conscientious. Even Jainism discarded
the system of caste, shunned rituals and encouraged social service.
SONGSOPTOK: “Faith takes over where
reason leaves off” – do you agree? Can you explain your point of view?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: Faith and reason are always in
conflict. But in reality, they work together to help us know and love our
Maker. Over the years I have developed certain
ailments and I have inconsiderately blamed my Lord for them. However, with
time, I have come to realise that everyone is suffering in some or the other
way and that something within us gives us the strength to sail through. My
faith has, thus, given me the wisdom to reason well and be a better person.
Even in Mahabharata, Draupadi’s faith-driven call to her Lord brought Krishna
to her rescue from the sinful act of her vastraharan.
SONGSOPTOK: Did you ever face a conflict between your beliefs, reason and
knowledge? How do you react to such situations?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: Yes, there has often been a conflict
between my beliefs, reason and knowledge. Today, despite our great deal of
scientific achievements, there are certain phenomena which science yet cannot
explain. It is aptly said that through beliefs you can achieve many things
where your arguments and knowledge might fail. I have grown up seeing my mother
perform pujas only after bathing and wearing fresh clothes. She kept separate
utensils for the temple which was among the many rules she felt necessary to
manifest her devotion to God. Initially, I found myself indulging in the same
things. But as time rolled by, I accepted my Lord as a family member. Trust me,
he even shares soft drinks and chocolates with us. I believe in praying
anytime, anywhere as the circumstances allow me to.
SONGSOPTOK: Are you a believer? What do you believe in?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: Yes, I am. I believe in a universal
religion which moulds me into a mature and pragmatic human being. Nobody in
this world is perfect. But I have gratitude and respect towards God for helping
me improve inner self.
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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: No, I don’t think I should try to
convince or convert others to fit into my beliefs and faiths. We must accept a
person’s individuality along with their beliefs and perceptions. We can only
light up the torch but how to adjust its illumination is subject to an
individual’s discretion.
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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: A Bengali fable rightly points out that
even an atheist cries out for help, when his boat begins to drown in the middle
of the sea, despite having no one around. He cries out to no one but his faith
that will make him think and find a way to sail through. Faith being a source
of strength can be found in anything depending upon the individual. Some may
find it in deities while some within themselves.
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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: God’s glory cannot be tainted by men.
The beautiful world we call home is His creation. However, I must emphasize
that an atheist is closer to God than the perpetrators of deceit and terror in
the name of religion. Mahavira opined that we can attain freedom through right
faith, right conduct and right knowledge. Buddha too, points towards the
eight-fold path and certain code of conduct. True worship is devoid of
dishonesty. It is to work for deliverance from sins and engage oneself in the
welfare of others. Jesus too, tried to spread knowledge through simple
teaching. Even when he was crucified, he only thought of the welfare of his
people- “God forgive these people for they do not know what they are doing.”
This is worship!
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?
SHARMILA DASGUPTA: I worship my Bal Gopal. In 6th
grade I visited Vrindavan with my parents where I came across an idol of cute
little Gopal. I was immediately attracted to it and ended up buying it without
the knowledge of my mother. I bought the idol only as a showpiece and never
thought of worshipping Him until I lost my mother two years after my marriage.
It is then that I found solace in Him. I shared my joys and sorrows with him.
After I lost my father, His presence filled the void in my heart. His idol is
only a representation of him. He resides within me and all of us, becoming the
pillar of our inner-strength. He has always answered to my sincere prayers and
led me to the path of wisdom and peace.
SHARMILA
DASGUPTA: TEACHER BY PROFESSION. RESIDES IN NAVI MUMBAI,
MAHARASHTRA, INDIA. HAS A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY WITH TWO GOD-BLESSED CHILDREN AND A
COMPASSIONATE HUSBAND. LOVES READING, WRITING, SINGING AND COOKING.
We
sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have your continued
support.
Aparajita Sen
(Editor: Songsoptok)
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