Omnipotent Me

Omnipotent Me...

God... probably the strongest entity  that single-handedly has the ability to unite or divide us humans, for good or evil. The funny thing is, God has become more of a political figure these days, than the pillar of faith He (or She) was originally meant to be. God is the base of faith, and religion is just the hollow building that stands upright due to it's support. Demolish the building, you can make a new one. Destroy the base, and the building tumbles down... automatically. What happens when someone refuses to believe the existence of base itself? I'll tell you.


A few people who know me personally  are aware of the fact that I'm an outspoken agnostic, despite the fact that I come from a family of devout Hindus (not superstitious, though). Not a single time has it failed to surprise people, though what's so surprising, eludes me. Recently, I had an opportunity to visit a very famous and ancient temple with a friend of mine. I agreed, out of a little guilt that had sprung up from very little socialising on my part, and I needed some fresh air anyway. 


As promised, I went to the temple with him. However, I stopped at the gates to observe the architechtural  grandiosity. The entire temple was carved out of black stone of some kind. There was a certain grace in the temple that made me stop in my tracks and pay attention to the minute carvings and details. Meanwhile, my friend had almost entered the temple, stopping only when he realised that I hadn't followed him. He impatiently signaled me to join him. I shook my head to state my refusal and asked him to offer his prayers and meet me outside. After trying to reason with me for some time, he shrugged and completed his prayers.


On our way home, he couldn't control himself and finally said, "Dude, you are a hindu, then why didn't you come inside the temple??" I said, "I'm a hindu by birth, but agnostic in nature". He stared at me as if I had just asked him to moonwalk . A few seconds later, he asked the million dollar question: "Why so?"  To which I replied, "I don't need a God". My answer obviously didn't satisfy him, and we had a round of arguments which remained unsolved for quite a few days.


In the meantime, I was searching for a way to frame a proper response for his arguments . A few days later, blasphemous me formed a convincing reply and decided to end this unfinished business forever. I caught up with him the next day and we resumed our World War.


Realising that this conversation was headed the same way as the last one, I interrupted his talk halfway and said, "Look, I'm not saying that God does not exist because of the lack of scientific proof. I'm not even saying that I lost faith because of calamities, poverty, inequality and other such reasons.  It's just that I don't believe in omnipotent-benevolent concept. I don't leave anything to God, I prefer to do it myself.  I can say that I'm responsible for my own life and decisions. I don't need to look to the heavens and mutter in the air for help, I can find it deep within myself. I don't need to create safeguards and face the consequences of my actions, however pleasing or depressing they might be.


Most importantly, I can believe in my own power than believe in someone else. I steer my own canoe rather than leaving it to the mercy of the waves. In a way, I'm my own god, and I'm omnipotent as long as things need to get done my way.... Isn't that a reason enough???"  I fell in my chair, tired from my sudden outburst.


For a moment, he didn't say anything. Then he smiled sheepishly and said, "You've scored pal ! you know you have!"