Blind Tradition

 

Too many people hold on to traditions they don’t understand, customs they never questioned, and practices that no longer make sense in today’s world. Tradition without questioning can trap generations into following an irrational path 

 

We like to do things because ‘this is how my grandmother used to do it’, ‘this is how my father did it.’ We do things without first asking why. Our ability to think and discern is sacrificed at the altar of unquestioned traditions. Sense is needed more than sentiments.

 

We inherit traditions but what happens when what we inherit is not  understood for the context and relevance which may have changed with time? There are traditions that are meaningful and relevant even today. But there are many customs which are neither aligned to logic nor common good. 

 

So often, so many of us carry forward the habits, beliefs, and fears of our elders without realizing how deeply they shape our thought processes, choices, relationships, and even our responses to opportunities. We exist in a new reality but blindly follow old practices without confirming their relevance.

 

Buddha said, ‘do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations; do not believe in anything because it is rumoured and spoken by many… After observation and analysis, when it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and gain of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.’

 

Use the questioning mind, let logic dwell

Wisdom lies beyond blind tradition spell

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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