Pitra Paksh presents yet another opportunity to pay tribute to our ancestors through the three Rs: rituals, rites and reflections. During this period, which is from September 12th to 26th. this year, dedicated to the observance of various rituals and rites in remembrance of the dearly departed, it augurs well to take time to reflect on the importance of their contribution and the role they have played in our development. It offers the opportunity for us to also consider our values and identify gaps which we can further analyze to determine the reasons and level of acceptability based on the future we must define for ourselves.
It is through the process of reflection we are able to understand the impact of our ancestors on our lives and then the role we are to play in the lives of others. We have been blessed with the greatest value system known to man and that value system is reflected in the teachings of all other World Religions. This value system is embedded in our psyche through the efforts of our ancestors and their sacrifices and so it guides our actions and behaviours. Through reflection we are able to reconnect with our ancestors by recommitting to the ideals cherished by them.
This reflection though, is not just a cognitive exercise, but should lead to some affective outcome where we can appreciate our current status and decide on the way forward for Sanatan Dharma. Western influence has changed the social, religious and psychological landscape of each of us and has forced us to grapple with issues of our beliefs, practices and identity. How do we survive in a world in which we are traditional and cultural immigrants as opposed to natives? This is a discussion that must take place amongst the leadership of Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago as a priority in defining a future for Hinduism in our nation. Daily, we are under attack and bold efforts made by others within and outside of our fold are threatening the very foundation upon which our great tradition is built.
Sadly, we sometimes become the architects of our own demise and we are usually participants in such efforts to bring down our own way of life. The choices we make, from our food, clothing, places and people of association, allocation of our resources and the entertainment in which we engage communicate our personal philosophy and hence speak to the values, beliefs and ideals we hold. There is now a greater focus on self gratification and not sacrifice for the welfare of man and Dharma. Cosmetic beauty and leisure have become common place and the size of the Mandir is gradually becoming smaller. The family unit is breaking up and no longer do we see and feel a sense of community. Opportunities for self development are being de-prioritized in exchange for immediate self-gratification and living only for the moment. Such actions, behaviour, philosophies and value system are inconsistent with that of our ancestors.
The focus on such an occasion as Pitra Paksh, in addition to the offering of Tarpan, Pitra Havan and the placing of food on behalf of the dearly departed, allows us to reflect upon our condition and ensures that we are not engaging in tokenism. Indeed, such a period provides us with a deep reflective process that will truly bring benefits to us and which will help to decide the positive forward flow of Sanatan Dharma.
The power to bring about change lies in the hands of you and I.
