RISHTE NAATE

A couple of days ago I heard the song "Rishte Naate"from the movie De Dana Dan, on Radio Mirchi. As I began to make sense of the lyrics, what struck me as an insight is not so much the love between a boy and a girl, but the love that should mark the relationship between God and me - a Religious. However, I must say that it is not the entire song that captivated me, but the following lines in particular:

chalun mein tere peeche peeche

baaki saare bandhan tod doon

jo tere tak na jaye

us raste ko chhod doon

sab rishte naate haske tod doon

bas tujhse dil ka rishta jod doon

The meaning of religious life can be discovered in these few lines according to me. Religious life is a radical following of the God who loves me unconditionally, actually from eternity. While my following is a response to this love it is at the same time a radical choice of placing Him before all other relationships - deconstruct other relationship in the light of this primary relationship with God.

The challenge of religious life can be derived from the third and the fourth lines - "jo tere tak na jaye, us raste ko chhod doon." "Religious life is giving up to hold on to." It is actually giving up everything that does not lead to God. That is why at profession every candidate takes the vows - meaning gives up something and holds on to everything. By choosing this road less traveled a religious makes a public declaration that in his or her life God is everything (poverty), His love is primary (chastity), and His will is a command (obedience).

As the last two lines beautifully express - it is a joyful giving up: "sab rishte naate haske jod doon," and entering into a deep relationship: "bas tujhse dil ka rishta jod doon." Therefore to radiate joy is a desire that is or rather should be at the heart of every religious. It is a rejoicing at having everything at the cost of losing something.

As the days of Christmas are fast approaching, I am challenged to take up the challenge of the religious life seriously and recommit myself to the World's First Love - God. May I take up this road less traveled to meet my creator and embrace Him by leaving my boats behind... My wish and prayer for this Christmas is that I may "bas Tujhse dil ka rishta jod doon...

Happy Christmas and Grace filled New Year 2011.