DAY THREE

“Truth is relative.” This is a philosophy that I thought I would never subscribe to but today, I was reminded that there is truth in this statement (although relative).

Doi Suthap

It was my first time entering a temple at Doi Suthap. I was greeted by the smell of incense and the sight of crowds – both the religious and the curious. As commercialized as it was, I cannot deny that there was still authenticity in all the religiosity. The devout and curious were earnestly offering prayers while circling the temple and bowing before the statue of Buddha to pray for a good life. While some were just tourist immersing themselves in Chiang Mai’s heritage, there were others who went with yearning hearts to receive spiritual enlightenment. Although I’ll never know or understand the true purpose of their going to the temple, the spiritual atmosphere was genuine, filled with reverence for the sacredness of the grounds.

Tampering (with my thoughts) at the temple

Initially, I thought it would be a disconcerting experience, especially being placed on unfamiliar spiritual grounds that were not my own. However, a long conversation with two friends about religion made it clear to me that this was an opportunity to reflect on my own spiritual life and perceptions on religion. If I was there 5 years ago, I would have most probably dismissed these spiritual-seekers as “superstitious” or “deluded”, deeming them as byproducts of a life of desperation. Yes, it does sound hypocritical because I still do hold on to a religion that people may similarly consider “superstitious”. And so, 5 years on, the “now me” began to form a new idea of religion. In the same way I hold on strongly to my faith, these devout believers at the temple hold on tightly to theirs. In the same way I believe that Christianity gives me life and hope, these devout believers at the temple believe that peace is possibly the greatest pursuit in life. My faith is as true to me as theirs is as true to them. Truth is relative.

Extrapolation

Looking at the others around me, I couldn’t help but wonder: what is their religion and what is truth to them? Buddhism? Christianity? Atheism? Or perhaps, something that we’ve all become so attuned to that we unknowingly worship like money, success or knowledge. We often consider god or religion as something supernatural and out of this world. Yet, there are so many gratifying things in our lives we fight for, covet after and even worship. Perhaps then, it isn’t too far-fetched to say that we all have a god in our lives?