Post
by jolli » 09 Oct 2012
Although we are off topic here, but still let me contribute
Agree with PVR when he says, the idea behind rituals is to establish the thought....as thoughts are so slippery its almost difficult to focus on one.
I believe this ritual is required so that we spare a thought for our manes and remember them, respect them, thanks them, and pray for their moksha. Sometimes, many people even forge about, those departed souls beyond initial mournng period and annivarsaries. Hence our forefathers carved out a special fortnight, so that even thouse who are normally away from rituals, willy nilly remember their ancestors.
With times, and vested interests, all kind of religious rituals (for all religion) get complicated. Some of it is neccessary as ritual cannot be done in exactly same manner across geography n time. Hence need for modification. Change is only constant.
however this neccassity for change along with vested interests and gaps in transfer of knowledge down generations made rituals complex as well are just that, rituals. Many times we do not know what we are doing. Its not only in religion, its in other parts of life. E.g Touch wood, God bless while some one sneezez, etc
I beleive, it is utmost important to develop humility, calmness, contentment,tolerance, being gracious and compassion in a being. If it comes due to a ritual, it is most welcome. But ritual, either its performance or non-performance should not put scare in ourselves.