Someone once asked me, Why do people worry so much about religion and rituals attached to it. I didn't have an answer then nor i have an answer now. But certain things make me think whether this statement is true 'Truth is stranger than fiction'.
Pranavam or Pranava Naadam means 'OM'. Omkaram when said aloud allows you to use your lungs full capacity of breathing in and out. It is kind of Pranayama or Breathing exercise where we try to modify or clean our system using our breath as a medium.
Many great philosophers professed the whole idea of rituals like fasting - cleanses the system of toxins, wearing gold - gives energy in the body, applying turmeric - clears the house , dishes and body of infections etc.... etc....
But for me Pranavam is the naughtiness of my son and his beautiful way of praying to god every morning before going to school. Every child have their unique naughty way of doing things but we elders insist that they should do it as per our instructions. Praying should be fun for them where they learn our culture. As they continue to learn they realize the importance and significance attached to it.
I read a line from a discourse given by Adi Shankaracharya when i had recently been to shringeri. It said ,'Whatever we do, we do it because others expect us to', But do we know why are we doing it?, If only we knew the answer and half the world would be more relaxed and peaceful'.
