I agree with you. Irrespective of the crises that one faces during a life time. there is a likelihood of yielding to some superstitious practices. The other so called Rationalist should understand and show restraint. They should not heckle or ridicule the believers. As the Rationalist is entitled to follow his own ways, believers too have their own way. In no condition they should be clashed.
rambabu wrote:What's wrong if Rationalism lies dormant? A real Rationalist keeps his Rationalistic thoughts within him. If some Rationalist uses a platform to force his thoughts on others and ridicules believers, is a pseudo Rationalist.
That depends on attitude of an individual. If some rationalist claims to be social reformer, he has to be active against superstitious and irrational practices. Otherwise he can remain passive.
A few years ago I had visited Puttaparthy because my mother in law was a devotee of Sai Baba and I was curious to see how the place was. Prashanti Nalaya which is where Sai Baba resided and his Ashram is situated in, is a well run place . I was amazed to see many eminent people doing social work, there were scientists Industrialists and celebrities who were all part of the festivities . So, belief is something else and education is something else although with education an individual will definitely use his brain cells far more..
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:rambabu wrote:What's wrong if Rationalism lies dormant? A real Rationalist keeps his Rationalistic thoughts within him. If some Rationalist uses a platform to force his thoughts on others and ridicules believers, is a pseudo Rationalist.
That depends on attitude of an individual. If some rationalist claims to be social reformer, he has to be active against superstitious and irrational practices. Otherwise he can remain passive.
One need not be Social reformer if one is a Rationalist. It's like an extra interest, My Rationalism is for my own sake. Like I learned Digital Arts which is for my own sake
Rational thinking is not something that is learnt, it is internal and a personality trait that gets developed as one grows ..There are no set rationalistic ideas because even a person who thinks he is rational may seem irrational to others at times ..So, essentially the more you brand yourself and slot yourself the more irrational you and your attitude looks because it is not natural..
Rational thinking for me is a natural trait as far as I'm concerned. I found the wastage of money spent on religious functions could have been spent on education which this country badly needs.These rationalistic thoughts are deeply twined with my life. At the same time, I will not deliver lectures on a platform accusing believers. Even in my own family we are poles apart. She is a believer, But I always made way to her beliefs. I do not chant the Mantra of Rationalism day in day out. But I do whatever I could do in my own realm for the education of poor boys and girls living in the slums. I teach art twice in a week.
My Rationalism and my efforts to boost education go parallel.They never interfere with each other.
usha manohar wrote:Rational thinking is not something that is learnt, it is internal and a personality trait that gets developed as one grows ..There are no set rationalistic ideas because even a person who thinks he is rational may seem irrational to others at times ..So, essentially the more you brand yourself and slot yourself the more irrational you and your attitude looks because it is not natural.
One does not become a rationalist just by proclaiming so. a rationalist is one who thinks independently to arrive at a conclusion. Also, he must not be rigid. He should be ready to listen to conflicting views and change himself if his prior views prove wrong.
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:usha manohar wrote:Rational thinking is not something that is learnt, it is internal and a personality trait that gets developed as one grows ..There are no set rationalistic ideas because even a person who thinks he is rational may seem irrational to others at times ..So, essentially the more you brand yourself and slot yourself the more irrational you and your attitude looks because it is not natural.
One does not become a rationalist just by proclaiming so. a rationalist is one who thinks independently to arrive at a conclusion. Also, he must not be rigid. He should be ready to listen to conflicting views and change himself if his prior views prove wrong.
That I'm not rigid and do not force my views on Rationalistic thinking, have been revealed earlier in this thread And I'm ready to correct myself whenever my Rationalistic views are one sided or wrong. Rational thinking is used for my own self. It is another branch of learning in which I have interest.
Gulshan Kumar Ajmani wrote:usha manohar wrote:Rational thinking is not something that is learnt, it is internal and a personality trait that gets developed as one grows ..There are no set rationalistic ideas because even a person who thinks he is rational may seem irrational to others at times ..So, essentially the more you brand yourself and slot yourself the more irrational you and your attitude looks because it is not natural.
One does not become a rationalist just by proclaiming so. a rationalist is one who thinks independently to arrive at a conclusion. Also, he must not be rigid. He should be ready to listen to conflicting views and change himself if his prior views prove wrong.
Very true, a true rationalist is one who is broadminded enough to listen to all points of view and not being judgmental and rigid about anything ...I have a neighbor who in my opinion is a true liberated rationalist. He has a beard and a pigtail like most south Indian temple priests have and one can easily mistake him for a radical Hindu. It is only when you speak and have interactions with him that you realise how sane and up to date his views are on any issue ! So, we cannot go by the appearance nor by the background of the person..
The real problem lies in the fact, believers think a Rationalist is a menace to the Society. Contrary to this, a Rationalist spreads his message that blind beliefs and religion based superstitions are more dangerous to the Society.
The dictionary definition of Rationalism is the principle of basing opinions on reasoning and knowledge rather than on religious beliefs and emotional response.
An ideal Rationalist never resorts to heckling and ridiculing or using force his ways on Believers. I'm of the opinion that such activities are heinous and unaccepted. Further, a real Rationalist gives way to believers' thoughts and their practices.
Rationalists in India create more problems than solve them , it is best that people keep their rationality to themselves and let others make their own decisions unless asked for advise...Too much of preaching and a high nosed attitude has become the trade mark of a branded rationalist, no wonder people tend to look at them with doubt ! There are many people who are very rational without going around calling themselves one and one is better off with such sane minded people who preach less and act more and are admired for that ..
A true Rationalist never interferes with others way of life, their behavior and beliefs. I always ensure this. Even my close friends are not aware about my rationalistic views. Because, I never revealed. Many a time, when my other friends who too are like me call for a public Rationalist meet, I flatly refuse. But, yes I take part in a private gathering, where only people with rational views like me attend.to discuss.
It is true that nos. of temples has no relevance with the nos. of educational institutes. But here, I wish to draw kind attention of my friends to the fact that we have been attaching more importance to our religion than educating ourselves and our offsprings. Worshipping is required for our spirituality but for our development, we need education too in the same terms.
Education makes you think. Opens floodgate to new avenues. This in turn widens your knowledge base. It is required in the present scenario of Globalization, where knowledge is the only criteria to shoot ahead in life.And help your country
I contribute to your opinion that educating self has to be given top priority than religious education.
@Vinod Gulati