well thats putting it in too grisly a way perhaps, but its just a figure of speech. i will not – with confidence – be able to categorize myself as an atheist or otherwise. and it would be unjust to try and compartmentalize people into buckets and say conculsively apropos piety and devotion in a higher being. as for me – ‘agnostic’ would come as close to describing me in one word if i had to.
but lets leave that aside. after all the beauty of belief lies in the surreality and the ethereal. thats what makes it special. some things are better left unproven …
what i get riled about is the way people remember their gods with consummate selfishness when the times get tough. and sorry to say it but ‘better late than never‘ doesn’t quite cut it. for arguments sake, i would be candid enough to admit that when things go downhill (read: really messed up) i remember my gods and vow to purge my sins and assure the almighty that if only he brings me out of this conundrum i have got myself into alive i will never do it again. its funny eh’ ?!? i mean why in the world would a promise of abstinence matter to him. *whatever* its too complicated to merit a quick conclusive discussion.
again, i am not very religiously bent and on an issue like this my naivety would mean that i would not be able to take up a good strong stand. but yes, when it comes to issues like ‘karma‘ i staunchly advocate my own opinions and have on occasions had the privilege of having a nice discussion about the same. (note: hope you can identify yourselves to whom I am referring) a quick bite on ‘karma‘: (if I may risk such a grievous act of summing it up in a few words) the way i see it – it just seems to be a very convenient way of saying that since your destiny is already pre written, it would be foolish and vain to try and work your way over it, since in any case your past sins will get the better of you. i might be a chronically depressed guy, but at least i have the gratification of knowing that i am responsible for my actions and i am prepared to face the consequences (in my case mostly repercussions) accordingly. saying that ‘karma‘ works – present life or past existence – just seems a way out for those refusing to face consequences. what annoys me particularly is that proponents of the whole ‘karma‘ theory – whenever they lose a fight or something – can walk off with their heads held high under the reasoning that it was inevitable that they would lose and that their past sins are responsible for it. ‘karma‘ gives too much of a let – off to people – people should not have that luxury – life s a bitch – always remember!
‘blissful ignorance’ – my brother had mentioned once – is the worst possible state of existence. the way i see it, it is the imminent doom of mankind. all i wish to achieve is that sort of spiritual enlightment which would enable me – on my deathbed – to not wish i had prayed more, or had more faith. i wish to die a contended man with a guilt – free heart.
again , you haven’t understood karma, and neither have those that walk away with their heads held high. You have one half of the story , and they , the other.