What is Religion? Why must we support the installation of idols in Hindu temples?
These idols help us to focus our thoughts on God. However, we must remember that God does not reside in these idols that are simply a vehicle to help us focus our thoughts on God. As Chanakya says, God resides in the feelings of the devotees. The essence of religion is asceticism and renunciation and not excessive indulgence in rituals. Rituals are fine as long as one does not indulge in them too much. Superstition and blind faith are worse. Whatever you do for others, especially for the weak and poor, is religion. Whatever you do for yourself, including efforts to secure name and fame and wealth is not religion. Some people claim to be religious but they are always trying to gain name and fame by making connections with politicians and powerful people in the media including socalled swamis and babas who make enormous amounts of money through TV shows. He who is running after wealth and name and fame is not at all religious. He who has inflated ego is not religious. A truly religious p
