Thursday, February 26, 2009

Vishnu sahasranama and belief

I asked my wise friend: I used to recite Vishnu Sahasranama. I did that for 5 years. Stopped a few years back. I am no longer a believer. I feel like doing it again. Would that make me a believer?

Believe what? whom? Believe whether Vishnu ever existed? What if someone enjoys Vishnu Sahasranama without ever knowing  who Vishnu was? That question is wrong. One doesn't have to believe in anything to recite Vishnu Sahasranama. Belief is a wrong question in Indic Traditions. Do what makes you happy. You smoke a cigarette if that makes you happy. Same with Vishnu Sahasranama. Would that make you happy?

Then he pointed me in this direction: Are rituals meaningless?

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