This post is not about religions. It is about what people believe and the things they do. It is also about the forces of nature and the human mind which most of us don’t truly understand. Some people believe in superstitions or whatever makes them happy, and in real life it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between truth and fiction. But that is what makes life interesting and complex, from joy to sadness, creation to devastation, the never ending cycle of risk and reward, bust and boom, life and death…….

RACE BLESSINGS

Every year since 2008, the Singapore F1 grand prix is held at the downtown area, close to the Marina Bay Sands Casino. It is a street circuit and held at night to cater to European racing fanatics. To many of us, the deafening noise every few minutes either gives you a thrill or a headache. Some people love it, some dread it, so it is always a surprise when you see so-called representatives of religious faiths gather to offer blessings to the race – is it to pray for thunderstorms so that this mindless race is cancelled or for good weather to have a successful race? What does car racing do to value-add to our lives that it deserves such myriad blessings? No one even knows for sure if it actually helps the economy. But it certainly helps the very wealthy owners, drivers, organizers and betting sites – and how religion fits into the grand scheme of this car race is anyone’s guess.

ORDINARY PEOPLE

Ever watch a soccer match, especially when there is a penalty kick? You see both the striker and the opposing goalie making the familiar Sign of the Cross before the kick is taken. Obviously the striker wants to beat the goalie and the goalie wants to thwart the striker, but it is impossible to know what each is actually praying for. In any case, only one wins, his wish answered. For the vanquished, who knows why his wish was in vain.

Ever seen chilli and onions stuck at tee boxes of golf courses before a tournament? It is a weather charm: please don’t rain. The results maybe 50-50 but if it still rains, you still pat yourself for having tried your best – no one can blame you, you just had no luck. And if something is always 50-50 why even try. Head or tails in the long run will also be 50-50. Don’t do anything, also 50-50.

Cold icy water is a fantastic way to wake up the senses. But it is what you believe which is more important. Some take cold baths because it feels good. To others, it is spiritual. It is a pilgrimage of sorts, like burning incense, fire-walking, performing the Haj, touching the Pope or going to Sunday church. If it works for you, by all means, why not?

One key takeaway of Buddhism is to show kindness to all animals and that of Hinduism is to revere cows. But in many societies, even as the majority follow the basic tenets, there is always a fringe who do things in contrast with the mainstream beliefs – be it for money, for thrill or their own interpretation of their beliefs.

THE FORCES OF NATURE

No matter what we believe, hope and pray for, there are many things that will still happen that are totally beyond us. You can explain however you want, but no one so far can fathom why the forces of nature wreck havoc despite our faiths. We can console and offer all kinds of rationale (like a bad deed angering the gods), but no matter how strong you are, we have not been able to stop the floods, the earthquakes, the typhoons and the diseases. It seems nature was before us, and thus has priority rights.

THE HUMAN KIND

If the forces of nature are one thing, just look at us, the human race. We believe but we fear, so we commit atrocities and all the follies on other beings. And we do it everywhere, anywhere and no one and no place is spared. Sometimes its a real accident, sometimes it is a calculated risk, and many times it is ill-will. And all man-made, impossible to prevent, and no matter what you believe, nowhere is fool-proof safe.

NOCUREMAN:

What people believe in and the contrarian things they do are difficult to comprehend. More so the forces of nature, the accidents and the human crimes, as they can occur anywhere and to anyone, even in the midst of worship and sanctified places. Whatever your customs and beliefs, we are all exposed to the same elements. Nothing is guaranteed.