Ancient traditions of India continue shaping cultural identity

India's ancient traditions, beliefs, and philosophies continue to thrive amidst modern change

- LAKSHMI BAYI

The fingerprints of all human beings are different. So too the variations of their physiognomy, even though there is the almost banal similarity of a pair of eyes, nose, body, limbs etc. The ancient concept of Parabrahman is uncannily the same. For example, in the Mahabharata, Krishna, who Arjuna sees more as a friend than a cousin, is his God. Each time the Pandava forgot this, it led to disaster!

India has had the mixed fortune of being under the influence of many waves of people, with different languages, customs, food habits and philosophies. "Let good thoughts come from all directions," proclaimed our ancestors. They had the confidence in themselves not to be intimidated by something quite different from them. They also had the ability to pick out what was best and ignore the rest without the slightest qualm. This ensured the variety and richness of their lives—a lesson every citizen of India will still find relevant.

Their absolute belief and self-confidence as well as curiosity made them hold their own. Sadly, in some eras this became fear, which translated into aggression and an effort at shutting down whatever was even slightly different from them. It is needed to believe in oneself. It is equally needed not to feel good until these views that were thrust down the throats of everyone opposing it were grudgingly regurgitated.

The traditional religious system of our country is Sanatana Dharma. There are huge to tiny temples, or dwelling places for Divinities, which simultaneously absorb the faith of the devotees as well as transmit them to the devotees. Most of these temples were centres of learning as well.