When considered thought is tied together with appearances, that is ritual; and then people can work on with their eyes closed, effortlessly, and not vacillate with their eyes open.”
- Ritual and Reform by Rabindranath Tagore.
“Way back before you were born, Calla and Persephone and I were messing around with things we probably shouldn't have been messing around with--"
"Drugs?"
"Rituals. Are you messing around with drugs?"
"No. But maybe rituals"
"Drugs might be better.”
Rituals and society go hand in hand. Ever since man started living in groups, it is assumed that certain acts, certain practices took the form of rituals. They were repeated, they were attached with symbolic meanings, and they gradually became indispensable to the specific groups that practiced those rituals.
My knowledge about the history of rituals is limited. But as I perceive them today, I feel that they are acts of communication within social groups that share a common belief. They are also a way of integrating certain social systems. They consolidate and assert social identities in a world that is shifting to global oneness. Rituals help assert one's uniqueness and diversity. In that sense, they remain essential.
Rituals belong not just to Hindu societies. They are part and parcel of every community that functions in the social sphere.
Are they relevant to our society in the present times? When practices took shape thousands of years ago, critical thinking was developing. Man tried to find meaning to his existence by way of certain acts. He created certain stories that made him feel secure about who created the world, and about his own place in that world. It gave him a certain sense of security. It aided in bringing a sense of singularity to his little world.
With time, it changed. Diversity popped up. Different beliefs crossed paths. Confusion, doubt, further interrogation set in. He still needed to comfort himself amidst all the uncertainties. So, he persisted. He persisted in the beliefs he had 'learnt' to believe in. He passed it on to his progeny with no questions asked. It was a matter of faith. It became his religion. Power structures of the society he belonged to were happy too, because these rituals helped maintain status quo.
The highly spectacular nature of rituals today has heightened the social drama. When anthropologists read about us years later, we will make an interesting case study of a society driven to display and extravaganza. We will be read as day-observing, ritual-fastidious, globally-aware, diversity-hugging, ceremony-finicky secular nation.
By the way, do read Tagore's story Ritual and Reform, from which I quoted in the beginning. The irony of action and thought is beautifully brought out in the narrative.
Written for IndiSpire #115
Well said! we follow rituals without knowing why they exist...blindly throwing holy things in Yamuna is one such act I would like to question...Nice quote from the great Tagore...will look for the story for sure...Thanks for sharing:-)
ReplyDeletehttps://doc2poet.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/me-against-myself/
True Amit....there are rituals we follow just because we have been told we ought to do that....But self-interrogation can definitely bring a change.
DeleteMan is a ritual-making animal. But the interesting thing is the paradoxical nature you've highlighted: "day-observing, ritual-fastidious, globally-aware, diversity-hugging, ceremony-finicky secular nation". The heart does not grow with the brain, as I wrote elsewhere. We still remain savages at heart and hence the paradox. We seek gods to cover up the savagery within. Rituals are part of the process. But even if religion dies one day, as the heart evolves further, rituals may still remain. What are rituals but habits given a religious hue?
ReplyDeleteYou understood so well the message I wanted to give. Rituals are habits. And it isn't easy to do away with them. And then, some habits might be good and some bad.
DeleteSunaina, you rightly said that rituals and society go hand in hand. Rituals are nothing but habitual activities. They also give us a sense of belonging which is essential to form a society. Completely agree with your take. And thanks for the link to Tagore’s work. :)
ReplyDeleteYes Ravish. One cannot let go of rituals just like that. Do read Tagore's story and share your views on it.
DeleteA thoughtful, great write as always, Sunaina:) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteVery thoughtful Sunaina! But the problem arises when the water stops flowing and starts stinking. Rituals too become burdens when imposed and out-rated. I loved your explanation of our race being described through the future anthropologists—“day-observing, ritual-fastidious, globally-aware, diversity-hugging, ceremony-finicky secular nation. “
ReplyDeleteReally a thought provoking and intriguing post!
They do become burdens, but only for those who can question. For others, it remains a bag of necessities. That's my favorite line too...:)
DeleteVery true, I feel they bring us together and also keep us hooked to our culture.
ReplyDeleteI love that aspect of the east (especially).
The need for ritual is a basic human instinct and it’s also crucial to our survival. Ceremonial observance adds lucid layers — depth, dimension, drama and distinction — to our lives, making the ordinary seem special.
ReplyDeletePracticing certain rituals is part of our culture. Simply because we become rationale we cant wish them away
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