Today is Father’s Day in India as well as the US. If
Father’s Day gets little attention in the US, at least compared to Mother’s
Day, observance in India is essentially non-existent. In my case, my two
fathers (Horace W Lundberg and Kenneth Whyte, Rae’s father) have passed on. I
have been blessed in my life, in addition to these men to have others show me
by example how to be a father. In this list I would include Jaron Norberg, Tomasue
Abo, and my brothers in law. It is also a genuine pleasure to watch my son and
sons in law grow into the role of father. They are doing a great job helping
rear and guide our grandchildren. So, here’s to the fathers in my life. Thank
you!
As noted, today is Father’s Day but did you know that
it is also International Yoga Day? The United Nations has declared today, June
21st to be Yoga Day. I am not sure how big a deal that is anywhere
else in the world but here in India it is a freakin’ big deal. Well, actually,
I guess it is officially a bigger deal than it is for the common man or woman.
It appears that every level of government has arranged
some official recognition. The centrepiece was this morning at which 40,000
people assembled on the raj path (the official assembly grounds between India
Gate and the Presidential Palace) to do a yoga session. It was designed to set
a Guinness World’s Record. Prime Minister Modi addressed the throng, but didn’t
participate. This despite the fact that he “practices yoga every day.” In that
regard there have been articles published about the importance of people
practicing in advance of official activities. There is great concern that it
would not be seemly if people cannot do the asanas, or yoga positions, correctly.
I guess it might become apparent that yoga is honored more in its breach than
its actual observance.
There have been commercials touting Yoga Day and
encouraging participation. Today alone I have received three texts on my phone
encouraging me to do something to participate in some way. I guess not
surprisingly, all of this attention has caused some backlash. Many Muslims are
concerned about the pressure to participate in yoga activities. They correctly
point out that yoga is not just exercise but is inextricably connected to Hindu
theology. They are afraid that if they don’t participate, they will be viewed
as not being patriotic. However, they are more afraid that if they do participate,
they will violate the imperative to only worship Allah. So much for yoga being
just a good form of healthy activity.
Namaste
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