09-28-2006, 12:49 AM
I agree - some of the problems are irrelevant and exaggerated. Drinking, gambling, drugs and prostitution have existed since time immemorial.
Those who indulge in such habits, either indulge in them moderately or destroy themselves to the point that they are eliminated from the gene pool. Either way, the effect on Hinduism - the religion, not the culture - is neither devastating nor unprecedented.
edit: btw, the above is not a sarcastic comment. I realize that it is counter-intuitive, but I actually mean that. These vices are indulged in by people who, usually, can afford to indulge. If, a poorer man indulges in them, the loss of health and wealth for him and his dependents is usually drastic and visible enough to have a salutary effect on those around him.
I understand how painful life can be when you have such addictions, but we are talking from the point of view of Hindu religion here, not the individual(s) affected.
Those who indulge in such habits, either indulge in them moderately or destroy themselves to the point that they are eliminated from the gene pool. Either way, the effect on Hinduism - the religion, not the culture - is neither devastating nor unprecedented.
edit: btw, the above is not a sarcastic comment. I realize that it is counter-intuitive, but I actually mean that. These vices are indulged in by people who, usually, can afford to indulge. If, a poorer man indulges in them, the loss of health and wealth for him and his dependents is usually drastic and visible enough to have a salutary effect on those around him.
I understand how painful life can be when you have such addictions, but we are talking from the point of view of Hindu religion here, not the individual(s) affected.