"A True Hindu"

"Are you a true Hindu?"

My colleague dragged me to health check organised by someone in the college. I went along thinking that's going to be a legit examination but I was met by a lady who was promoting her supplements, sigh, this has got nothing to do with health talk la!

Anyway, she was very interested in me, who won't be, I am such a good subject to sell any slimming products. The problem was, the lady could not sell me her product, she was not able to convince me with her supplements.

We were having a good conversation when she asked me "are you a true Hindu?" I looked at her and asked her to repeat her question, and yes, she said again, "are you a true Hindu?" I asked her, do you mean to ask me if I am a true Tamilian, she said no, I am asking if you are a true Hindu. I again asked her, are you asking me about my religion or race? 

Honestly, I have never been asked if I am a true Hindu. I don't know what it actual means though. Is there any definition who is a Hindu? I believe in my Krishna, I trust in the power of prayers, I beleive in karma, I believe in reincarnation....but all that, does all that make me a true Hindu? 

I am the one who eats beef among all other living things, I drink, I welcome open relationship....does all that make me not a true Hindu?

Aum, the ancient symbol

Whatever the lady meant on that day, triggered my journey to understand who is a true Hindu. My knowledge in Hinduism is minimal. I was born in a family who believes in Vinagar, Muruga, Krishna, Shivan, Lakshmi, Saraswathy...and others....and yes, my parents followed rituals they inherited from their parents and I am doing some of the rituals now too. I always liked the freedom in worshiping my "God" the way I want to. There's no fixed mantras nor how many times I have to pray in a day to make me feel I belong to the religion....Hinduism, the way of life....sanathana dharma, , my eternal duty to God. My question always has been, what is my purpose in this world, what is it that God wants me to do? What is my duty? I am still looking for the answers...

Oh yes, back to the lady, when I asked her why is she asking me the question, she told me that the way I speak is different. Oh lord, what now la? How is that my believe in my Maker makes me talk differently from others, especially when I was only talking about diets and exercises!! The lady really made me ponder that evening on what has become to mankind. Do we simply use words without understanding them? Are we that oblivious of whatever we say?

I do have to thank the lady for triggering my brain cells to read more about who is a Hindu. This would be an interesting journey. Imagine, turning 46 and looking for affirmation of my faith.

Krishna, lead the way please.....