Category: RELIGION

I’m a human

Shreyas Isaac4 Comments

I’m a Hindu, I celebrate Holi, Diwali and I visit almost every temple I get a chance to go to, I’m always curious to learn more of the Vedas and one of my favorite quotes is from the Rigveda-” May all be happy, May all be free of Illness, May all see what is auspicious, May no one suffer”
I’m a Muslim, I’ve gone to Sufi shrines and given a “Chadar”, I’ve visited both Sunni and Shia mosques where I’ve been welcomed with open arms, I’ve eaten lovely food during Eid and I’ve always admired the quality of Charity which all Muslims have inbuilt in their culture.
I’m a Christian, I go to church and I’ve read the Bible, I believe Jesus Christ was an ideal man and we all should be a little more like him. I celebrate Easter and Christmas and I’ve studied at Christan Institutions where people from all faiths came.
I’m a Sikh, I believe there is no bounds to the compassion and love the Sikh community shows and I know I’m always welcome to have Langar at any Gurdwara. My best friends have been Sikhs and I’m ever grateful to the lessons they have taught me.
I’m a Buddhist, I have prayer flags put up in my room and I’ve visited numerous Monasteries and Stupas and have offered prayers. His Holiness The Dalai Lama has always been my Hero and I am a firm believer in the Buddhist principals of love and compassion.
I’m a Jain, I don’t think there is any other force stronger in the world than the force of AHIMSA or nonviolence. I’ve learned to treat all creatures with respect due to Jain teachings.
I’m a Jew, I have gone to Synagogues and have always spoken out against Anti-Semitism. I’ve feasted on Kosher meals and I have a hand-stitched cloth made by a Jewish Grandmother always hanging in my room to remind of the love and warmth of the Jewish Faith
But above all? I’m simply a human, a human like all of you, I have dreams, I have aspirations and I believe all men and women belong to one great big family. No religion is better or worse than any other religion . I’ve been taught to love by all religions and I’m sure you too have been touched by the warmth of religion. Religion brings us together, it doesn’t separate us, don’t let extremists shape your view of a religion, they don’t represent everyone.
Most of all, let’s no look at ANY religion with hate. Hate is a strong force, but love is always stronger.

Feel free to share this, let’s beat hatred with love!

Not in my name!

Shreyas Isaac2 Comments

When they use my name to kill a boy

A boy with hopes

A boy with dreams

I say “don’t use my name”

 

When they use my name to add fuel to flames

Flames of violence

Flames of intolerance

I say “don’t use my name“

 

When they use my name to discriminate

Boxes of race

Boxes of religion

I say “don’t use my name”

 

When they use my name to justify murder

A murder of another human

A murder of humanity

I say “don’t use my name“

 

When they use my name to torture people

People with love

People without laughter

I say “don’t use my name”

 

When they use my name to launch weapons

To start mindless wars

To kill little children

I say “don’t use my name”

 

When they use my name to divide society

Building walls of hatred

Building walls of greed

I say “don’t use my name”

 

When they use my name to oppress another race

Without compassion

Without a conscience

I say “don’t use my name“

 

When they use my name to start making us hate

Making us hate our brothers

Making us hate our sisters

I say “don’t use my name”

 

But if they use my name for love and peace

To bring together communities

I’ll gladly let them use my name!

 

Background- 

This post has been written in honor of Mahatma Gandhi- A true champion of love and non-violence!

Genocides,wars and massacres have always been carried out in the name of innocent citizens.Extremists have always used religion, race, creed and nationality to justify violence. This post is on behalf of all the people across the world who are ashamed of the killings, discrimination and bloodshed which has been carried out in their name!

Stand up and tell the world, you don’t support violence and hatred!

Screenshot_20180728-160139~2“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” – Mahatma Gandhi