Religion Not Ritual Bound Poem by Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar

Religion grew into spiritual,
From where it branched to be ritual
And is identified by its rituals
With rites, customs, costumes and assemblies.

Religion exists by a focus
On scriptures, faith, practises and god-men.
Shrines, organization, men and money
Have become components of religion.

Anything institutional is political.
Religions are necessarily political
Internally as well as externally.
Rivalry is the spirit of its growth

Religion bids man not to commit sins.
Religion bids man to love and respect.
A moral fear is inducted to him.
Fear of God is inculcated in him.

Religion per se is more than its scriptures.
It brings people of a faith together.
It provides solace to suffering souls.
Prayer is a sublimation of wants.

It's time religion confined to scriptures
Suspend identity of religious signs
discard outdoor religious festive.
Be national rather than religious.
23.05.2019