Drama day 16: Finding God Inside and Outside

Two Opposite Paths to the Divine

With the currently trending Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, I decided to write this post about my spiritual take on the whole issue. Disclaimer: I am just putting forward my thoughts, and this is not intended to hurt anyone's beliefs. Hopefully after reading this we may be able to churn some reflections of our own.

India’s spiritual traditions are as diverse as its people, offering many ways to seek and understand the divine. Among these, the Kumbh Mela and the Marathi song "Kuthe Shodhisi Rameshwar" stand out for me—not just for their profound messages but also for the contrasting philosophies they represent.

On the one hand, the Kumbh Mela encourages a physical journey to sacred places, where external rituals bring spiritual connection. On the other, "Kuthe Shodhisi Rameshwar" by Sant Tukaram dismisses external searches altogether, urging us to look within. These two ideas—outward pilgrimage and inward realization—seem to contradict each other. Which one is right?

The Power of External Devotion

The Kumbh Mela draws millions of people to holy rivers, symbolizing purification and renewal. Pilgrims believe that bathing in these waters washes away sins and brings them closer to God.

This physical act of devotion is deeply tied to faith. The crowds, rituals, and sacred locations create a sense of collective spirituality. For many, the journey itself feels transformative—a chance to step away from daily life and immerse oneself in the divine.

But the emphasis here is on the external: visiting holy places, performing rituals, and seeking blessings from something outside oneself. The question is, does this outward focus truly connect us to the divine, or does it distract from the inner journey?

The Case for Looking Within

Sant Tukaram’s "Kuthe Shodhisi Rameshwar" challenges the need for outward journeys. He asks, “Why are you searching for Rameshwar (God) in distant places when He is already inside you?”

Tukaram argues that spiritual fulfillment doesn’t come from rituals or pilgrimages but from self-awareness and virtuous living. He emphasizes that God is within us, present in our hearts, thoughts, and actions.

This philosophy rejects the idea that the divine can only be found in specific places or through specific rituals. Instead, it encourages simplicity: introspection, kindness, and living with purpose. But does this inward focus risk dismissing the collective beauty and energy of traditions like the Kumbh Mela?

Contrasting Philosophies: A Conflict of Approaches

The Kumbh Mela and "Kuthe Shodhisi Rameshwar" represent two seemingly opposite approaches to spirituality:

  1. Outward vs. Inward:

    • The Kumbh Mela relies on external rituals and sacred locations.
    • Tukaram’s song dismisses external searches, pointing to the divine within.

  2. Collective vs. Personal:

    • The Kumbh Mela thrives on community and shared faith.
    • Tukaram focuses on individual reflection and personal responsibility.

  3. Faith in Rituals vs. Faith in Awareness:

    • The Kumbh Mela trusts that physical acts of devotion bring spiritual merit.
    • Tukaram believes spiritual growth comes from inner understanding, not outward acts.

Which Path is Right?

This brings us to a fascinating question: which approach is the “right” way to connect with the divine?

Should spirituality involve physical journeys, rituals, and collective experiences, like the Kumbh Mela? Or is true connection found in quiet introspection and recognizing that God is within us, as Tukaram suggests?

Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. For some, external rituals and sacred places provide a sense of grounding and inspiration. For others, the inward path offers clarity and peace.

Ultimately, the choice may depend on what resonates with you. Do you find God in the energy of a pilgrimage or in the stillness of your heart?

The beauty of these two paths is that they leave room for exploration and personal interpretation. As you reflect on these ideas, ask yourself: Where are you searching for the divine? And what will you find when you get there?

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