God, Religion, and OCD Religious OCD
Whatever it is that we try to reject or push away tends to grow even stronger. It is irrelevant. Focus on the actual problems in your life—the ones right before your very eyes. I am unconcerned with what happened in the past, right up to the very last minute; likewise, I am perfectly at ease with whatever the very next moment may bring. Whether this country invades another, or another country invades this one, it makes absolutely no difference to my personal life. It is irrelevant. When we prioritise matters that hold no true relevance, we inevitably neglect the issues that actually do. People suffering from anxiety disorders often get caught up in things they heard somewhere, sometime—obsessing over questions like, “Why is society deteriorating like this?” It must be fixed!” or “Why are things—the good and the bad—the way they are?” However, no one person can single-handedly fix society, nor can anyone completely destroy it.
The only thing in this natural order that truly needs to change is me. If I change, many others will change simply by observing me. If I smoke while telling my son not to, what lesson does he actually learn? He will simply go on to smoke himself and, in turn, tell his own son the very same thing.
Some people confidently assert that they will definitely change society. Yet, society is constantly changing; it is inherently dynamic. What truly matters is the direction in which it changes. It will shift, to some extent, in whichever direction you pull it—though, of course, there will always be others pulling just as hard from the opposite side.You do not need to do anything specific for this ever-changing society. Values within society exist in specific contexts and are constantly in flux. Instead, you should cultivate your own personal values. There is no need to proclaim to anyone that these values are superior. If I simply live my life in accordance with these values, some people will observe me, feel inspired, and undergo a transformation themselves. Alternatively, some may realise that such a way of living is indeed possible and begin to adopt it. In essence, what has occurred? A positive shift has taken place within society.
A renowned psychologist once remarked, “I never told anyone that God does not exist, nor did I instruct them to become atheists.” Yet, they abandoned all their rituals—their pujas, namaz, and prayers—and embraced atheism. In that instance, the psychologist neither affirmed God’s existence nor denied it; rather, he demonstrated that the concept of God is irrelevant to the practicalities of human life. He elucidated the underlying logic behind this perspective. Upon grasping this insight, people began to focus on their own responsibilities and endeavours.
Consider a rationalist: he does not assert, “I am a rationalist, while you are a worthless individual who must change.” Instead, whatever he discusses or debates serves to further refine his own rationality; as he evolves through this process, the person engaging with him is automatically inspired to change as well.
Any concept of God that bears no relevance to human existence—or any scientific inquiry that remains disconnected from the realities of human life—is ultimately irrelevant. Contemplating the planet Pluto or its satellites brings about no tangible change in your own life. Is it truly feasible to live on Mars? Even here on Earth—a planet abundant in resources—survival itself is becoming increasingly difficult. In numerous countries, young children are perishing from starvation. Even in India, countless children are growing up suffering from severe nutritional deficiencies. What you need to do is consider what kind of care you, as a human being, can extend to a fellow human being. Work towards that, for it is a problem right before your very eyes. Anything else—matters that are irrelevant to you—are of no use, no matter how much you analyse Religious OCD Religious OCD Religious OCD
