The Status Quo Layer refers to that layer of humanity which believes that tradition dates to the customs of their childhood as practiced by their family and neighbourhood. This layer is threatened by changes due to globalization, the arrival of the next generation, the arrival of people from other cultures into their neighbourhoods, their television sets and living rooms.
This layer is upset that their jobs, their life-style, their music, their value system and so on is altered by the arrival of newcomers and foreigners. If they are old or mild, they may complain and if they are young or aggressive they may attack. (As in the racial attacks on Indians in Australia).
Layers of Humanity and Views on Religions – The Zero Prejudice Layer
In the movie Khadgam, Ravi Teja worships both the bricks used to build the Sri Rama temple and some holy muslim object so that he will get all the divine blessings he needs.
Yesterday a young 18 year old muslim girl was telling me the story of her troubled life.. parental neglect, marriage at 12 and her struggle and success in getting a bank job for Rs 5000 a month. She told me that sometimes she tells Allah that he is not taking care of her, much as Bhaktha Ramadasu, sang Evadabba Sommani….Debbalaku Orvaleka…
I told her about my own reaction when I first saw Kameswari Devi in Mahanandi Temple. I too said.. “you are my mother, how can you let me suffer, you are not doing your job properly”.
The girl was interested in knowing whether Devi helped me and I said “yes, She did, She is a woman, a Mother”. I hesitated in suggesting a visit to to the Shivajinagar Meenakshi Amma temple, because it might offend her religious sensibilities. But both she and her older cousin were very interested and they told me that they would definitely pay Meenkashi Amma a visit, because women understand women.
A roman catholic lady sitting with us wearing yellow thread, black beads, chandan, bindi and mangala sutram, told me that she was wearing a mangala sutram because she knows the story of Siva and the significance of a mangala sutram!
There is NO Prejudice at this layer of humanity. They have troubles, need some divine intervention and will accept it whether from Jesus, Allah, Devi or Rama..
They are simple and trusting and seek divine help, wherever it is to be found.
Authorship and Copyright Notice : All Rights Reserved : Satya Sarada Kandula
