World Interfaith Harmony Week

In by zeinab

2024-02-07

Country: India
City:
This picture submitted by Rahul Hasija (35) @thefreedomwalker speaks of a faith that is not limited to icons. Read on to know what more is on his altar of pluralism. "I am not a religious person and I have never had images or idols of God at my home, at least for the last 15 years. Neither am I an atheist. I have grown up to the fascinating stories of Guru Nanak and Kabir. I consider myself a practising Sufi, nurturing love, mutual respect and care for all beings including mountains, snakes and lizards. This idol of Buddha was a surprise gift to me last year at a Self-discovery program I was facilitating for Delhi Police. From then on, he has been present in the hall of our house. From then on, it has turned into a sacred altar. Giving company to it in small bottles is soil from Rajasthan and Romania and seeds of chirmi. I stand once in a while in front of the altar to remind myself of my connection to the Earth and remind myself to nurture calmness and equanimity as Buddha did. When my mother and sister visited me recently, they regularly paid reverence and took blessings from him."