Don't Make An Idol Of Anyone

The profound wisdom in "don't make an idol of anyone" invites us to rethink our relationship with revered figures and the past itself. It's a call to liberation, suggesting that true spiritual and personal growth comes from within and through a critical, dynamic engagement with knowledge, rather than blind worship or clinging to static memories.

This idea is beautifully encapsulated by Buddha's radical instruction to his disciples: "when you go if you see Buddha take a knife and kill him". This isn't a literal command for violence, but a powerful metaphor urging us not to become enslaved by past teachings or the image of the teacher. It champions self-reliance, proclaiming, "You are your light. You are your direction giver". This is the hallmark of true religion and authentic living: finding your own path, guided by your inner wisdom, rather than endlessly following someone else's footsteps.

We should "Take from Gandhi, take from Buddha, take from Ambedkar, acknowledge them; and go on". This means we are encouraged to learn from these great minds, to draw inspiration and wisdom from their lives and philosophies. However, this learning must not lead to stagnation or the creation of idols. Idols, in this context, are not just physical statues but any memory or idea from the past that binds us, preventing us from moving forward or thinking critically.

Crucially, these revered figures "have to be critiqued too". This concept, though initially unsettling, is a testament to the greatness of these individuals, as "no great person is against it". Jawaharlal Nehru, for instance, exemplified this spirit. In the fifth year of his rule, an article appeared in an English daily suggesting he could become a dictator. What was remarkable was that Nehru himself, under the pseudonym 'Chanakyan', wrote it. He actively desired his own criticism to be seen by the public. His frequent instruction to cartoonist Shankar, "do not exclude me," was a direct invitation for critique.

This perspective transforms our understanding of heritage. It's not about revering the past to the point of being trapped by it, but about engaging with it actively and discerningly. It empowers us to be our own light and direction-givers, while still drawing strength and inspiration from the giants who came before us. This dynamic engagement with knowledge and critique, rather than passive adoration, is what truly fosters growth, innovation, and a vibrant, evolving spirituality.

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