Denigration of Hinduism - Part Trois

This in response to Shree Shirodkar's comments on my earlier blog post Denigration of Hinduism.

Comment 1: Is it not our responsibility to help educate society about the sacred concepts and dispel misconceptions as propagated by such crudeness on Hinduism? Here the so-called humor is about something held sacred in our Holy Scriptures.

Response 1.  To begin with, I did not see this picture as "crude".  I see a case if Lord Krishna is shown as emulating Obama, not the other way around.  They did not alter Lord Krishna's idol/picture in any way.  Also, it is not a revulsive picture.

I do believe that we need to attempt to dispel misconceptions.  So far, I have not seen convincing evidence that Ramayana and Mahabharata have actually happened.  My belief in God based on gut feeling can be a misconception.  It would be inconsistent if we hold on to the misconceptions that we revere, and loathe the rest.  Also, whether we dress like Him or not, isn't Lord Krishna present in every atom of the universe? When that is the case, where is the possibility for crudeness? I mean, if you say (1) God is not crude and (2) God is every where, don't (1) and (2) together imply that there is no crudeness in the universe?

Comment 2: Amazing to learn that one can "loved the image". What was so inspiring about it dear Gopa?

Answer 2: I didn’t see any inspiration in it, dear Shirodkar ji. I “loved” the colors, artfulness, and creativity.

Comment 3: Wonder why TOI chose to publish such a crude picture?

Answer 3: Probably because they thought that it was catchy and funny. I don’t think they meant to insult Hindus. Even if they did, I don’t think their action would warrant us to issue Fatwa on TOI.  Everyone will pay for their actions (and inactions when an action is expected) eventually.

Comment 4: Think it is not correct to consider yourself as a murderer in this case, it was his time that he had to go.

Answer 4: I did not consider myself a murderer. My expression was akin to a rhetorical question. You are right. There is no murder involved, and we both are on the same page on this.

Comment 5:  Again after studying your case B,"historic buried treasure" means money I take it. Luxurious life with money, yes but one cannot claim that he/she was happy for 50 years. Money can buy things but not happiness or health or bliss. You neither accumulated negative or positive karma by fetching him treasure.

Answer 5: I think you missed the main point I was trying to drive in. In case B, I tried to kill somebody. But that attempt ended up benefiting him. The intent of this example was to express my opinion on the net karmic impression that I would accumulate due to the chain of events initiated by me.

I disagree with you on the net result. I believe that I would accumulate negative karma in this case, as I performed karma with wickedness in my heart. If this action won’t result in prarabdha, which kind actions would?

Now, I believe that to an extent, money does bring happiness. But the happiness starts to plateau after accumulating certain wealth, for most of the people, I think. People who say “money can’t buy happiness” are those who already acquired enough money that would ensure food and shelter in their foreseeable future. I am yet to hear “money can’t buy happiness” from a person who involuntarily starved (like a beggar) for a few days. We need some money to take care of basic needs and offer us some level of security in the immediate future. But, I think it would hurt us, if we go crazy about money, start growing ulcers, and keep losing sleep over it.

Comment 6: Lord Krushna and his principals are way above than human created legal context aren't they?

Answer 6: Yes. Also, Lord Krishna probably will not lose sleep because TOI dressed up Obama to look like Him, in a picture.

Comment 7: As you correctly said that the energy controlling this universe knows a lot better. Do we know what energy we are referring to?

Answer 7: I was referring to Shakti, the intelligent designer, who we probably cannot comprehend with our senses.

General Comment: I thank you for your time and patient audience, and hope that these points will help develop a mutual understanding between your blog and those who have taken the time to protest the denigration for this picture.

Answer 8: I too thank you for your detailed comment, Shirodkar ji. Please understand that I am trying to be honest to myself, and to you.  I talked straight without sugar-coating my opinions.  It is not my intent to be disrespectful. If I came across that way, I apologize.