MY MIND: Who will lead us by truth and example

In Summary

CLASH. Thai soldiers had tried to block the first group of Buddhist monks from entering the compound but were unsuccessful, and thousands more eventually made it through.

I’m not yet ready to give up on God. However, I certainly give up on actions of his servants, and what they are committing in His name. Currently I’m on a visit to Thailand. I was surprised to see newspaper headlines about clashes between, Monks (Buddhist priests) and the Thai army. I’m not concerned about the reasons behind these clashes, rather the fact that Monks who were even pictured in scenes of aggression, are supposed to be true manifestation of Buddha’s teachings whose main principle is peace.

When I went deeper into this subject, and talked to a few people, I realised that, these ‘ men of God’ are not really different from others in different parts of the world.

Some of them seem to be selling plots in heaven to the unsuspecting believers who think in this way they can redeem their sins. Some have gone on record for molesting minors and others misused donations for their own personal prosperity and the list goes on.

Different acts
Unfortunately, it is not new to hear how some pretenders, donning religious robes, misuse the spiritual need of human beings, and exploit this valuable gift of God bestowed upon everyone as soon as they are born in this material world.
Those who wrap themselves in explosives and others, who slaughter the innocent, do so, most of the time thinking that they will go straight to heaven, mingle with Angels, eat from eternal fruits and drink from rivers of milk and honey. How can the crime of slaughtering innocent children be rewarded in this way? And what kind of a sick mind can actually believe this?
No, human beings are human beings, they cannot sell you keys to heaven, they have no title deeds to heavenly realms, they cannot listen to your sins and pardon you, and they are as sinful as everyone else.

Consequences
Again, unfortunately such acts are preventing a whole new generation from getting closer to their Creator, not only that, while some deny His existence altogether, others look for any kind of substitute, the sun, the moon, stones and idols will also do.

Even for those who believe in God, fear of hell and a reward of heaven, and should not be reasons for worshipping Him, this should be purely because of Loving Him.
we are all guests on this earth, some for a short time, others for a longer time. We have the most sophisticated mind, we are blessed with the power of speech that distinguishes us from any other creature, and above all, we have been created noble so why is it that we choose to abase ourselves?

Therefore
It is time we see through our own eyes, not the eyes of others, and find out the truth depending on our own investigation, not inherited ways known to us. It is time we rise to the noble station we were created for.
I’m standing near the Erawan shrine in Bangkok, here, was the scene of a deadly terrorist attack last year, yes, violence and religion are also becoming synonymous. The place was buzzing with worshippers all day. Now the temple is cleaned and lights went off, maybe God needs to rest too, tomorrow, Through His mercy lights of guidance will shine on whoever cares to look for them.

Did you know?
There are many uprisings caused by the ordinary as they clash with the religious. The latter are expected to keep calm but it is not the case.

lifemagazine@ug.nationmedia.com