Hinduism

of the many realizations that have occurred to me in the recent past about my heritage, religion has been perhaps the most endearing of them all. growing up in a moderate Hindu home, i had always discredited my mother of her foolish traditions and religious beliefs and practices. she would never defend herself, only smile and let me say the things i would say. she would insist however that i do my part when the time came during a ceremony. as a child, i'd accompany my parents to the temple and never really absorb anything at all... it was more like a trip, an outing for the day.

recently though, i've been longing to be at the temple. i have no idea where this feeling derives from and can't explain to myself, but it's what i feel. i've been more attentive on my visits to the temple and have realized what that place means to my people... or at least what it used to mean. my understanding of Hinduism is that it's not a religion... it's a way of life that is described as a religion to makes things easy for everyone. many of the practices i don't necessarily agree with but i have come to appreciate the value they hold for others. when i see my mother cry in prayer i feel as though she in that moment is experiencing something greater then reality. it's as though she surrenders herself...