Many people from the 'west' come to India seeking 'spirituality.'
My discoveries along the spiritual path has also been interesting. As always, the values are easy to grasp but very challenging to make them an integral part of one's day to day life. My sincere attempts to do so has SO FAR brought me to a stage where I do not think I can successfully implement each one of them every time because the larger society, norms and templates of right/wrong, good/bad are all wired differently - most often conflicting.
Ironically, a few days ago, I realized that it seems to be relatively easier FOR ME to implement these values in an 'alien' and 'western' country that I live in right now. Strange eh?
"You think more money, bigger house, bigger car is success? Without knowing what success is, everyone wants to be successful," Sri Sri Ravishanker.
I personally never considered this to be the definition of success for me. But many of my friends in India do define this as success.
On contrary, I know people and some of my friends in Germany are the ones who do not. E.g. some do not have a television at home - not because they cannot afford it. But because they choose not to have it. Their success is not defined by the large TV in the living room. Many choose to work less - thereby earn less salary to pursue a hobby that they are passionate about.
Ironically many people like me are termed 'westernized' by my fellow Indians. But looks like some of the westerners are closer (at least at face value) to the spiritual values that are preached in the Spiritual Land of India...
Interesting inter-connections...
My discoveries along the spiritual path has also been interesting. As always, the values are easy to grasp but very challenging to make them an integral part of one's day to day life. My sincere attempts to do so has SO FAR brought me to a stage where I do not think I can successfully implement each one of them every time because the larger society, norms and templates of right/wrong, good/bad are all wired differently - most often conflicting.
Ironically, a few days ago, I realized that it seems to be relatively easier FOR ME to implement these values in an 'alien' and 'western' country that I live in right now. Strange eh?
- Accept people as they are: It's fascinating that India is such a diverse country but I do not believe there is a national identity to it. In my opinion its also a very divided country. Being married into a totally different internal culture shocked me more of our differences, prejudices than my first experience of being out of my country. These divisions are used and deepened by people with vested interests - so much that the country spends more time discussing differences than similarities and how to bond.
- In contrary, in Germany, my work place has hundreds of different nationalities working together. I have colleagues and friends from different countries and religions. I like them all and there are stronger bonds I feel (despite our differences) than I feel towards some of my fellow Indians.
- Its sadly only a few very special friends back home with who I feel bonded - interestingly, only few are of a similar background as me :)
- Saying "try" causes stress: In India, 'try' is the operating word because it sounds polite. In Germany it's highly appreciated to be honest and give a clear 'yes/no' when its possible.
- Don't be a football to other's opinion: In India, you have to be ready to be labelled as a rebel and many other things to follow this approach. "What will people say/think" is what drives very many decisions.
- In Germany, 'its okay to have one's personal perspective and take a stand.'
"You think more money, bigger house, bigger car is success? Without knowing what success is, everyone wants to be successful," Sri Sri Ravishanker.
I personally never considered this to be the definition of success for me. But many of my friends in India do define this as success.
On contrary, I know people and some of my friends in Germany are the ones who do not. E.g. some do not have a television at home - not because they cannot afford it. But because they choose not to have it. Their success is not defined by the large TV in the living room. Many choose to work less - thereby earn less salary to pursue a hobby that they are passionate about.
Ironically many people like me are termed 'westernized' by my fellow Indians. But looks like some of the westerners are closer (at least at face value) to the spiritual values that are preached in the Spiritual Land of India...
Interesting inter-connections...
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