For instance, my mother is really upset about me not qualifying a certain exam and believes that it was because I don’t visit the temple regularly with her and don’t attend the aarti and today my mother said that “your friend goes to temple regularly that’s why things have been going well for her” I told her that’s not how it is and everyone has their own timings and setbacks. She told me I was disrespecting her by replying this way.
I feel like protecting my ego rather than saving the relationship with my parents. Should I rather be polite to them and keep my beliefs to myself? Please guide me alok da. What and how should I do?
It is very difficult to explain one’s own beliefs to anyone. These elements are like personal treasure and sharing them with others, especially those who do not share the same faith is an unnecessary wasteful exercise. It is best to keep your faith quietly within yourself nor challenge theirs.
Now what about their expectations? One way is that occasionally you can accompany them to the temple and while there you can pray to The Mother quietly in your heart. The other way is, as you said, to stubbornly hold your ground. Personally I would chose the former since faith and prayers are a matter of the heart and none can have access there. And given the vastness and all-comprehensive nature of this Yoga, one can easily remember and see Her in everything and everywhere. Of course left to oneself there is no need of any of these things but here the goal is to build harmony which is itself a very precious goal and pleases the Divine. At the same time I fully understand and resonate with your heart. So in the end I would only say see how you feel deep within. All that I am saying is that there is nothing wrong and no harm if you accompany your parents or your friend to the temple while praying inwardly to The Mother since something of Her is present in every form and the gods are also Her children.
