Ask Questions..

How much do I actually know about myself, my heritage and my traditions?

I have been asked by many ppl here in the US, some questions about the traditions I follow..But posed with some questions, I realize I am not able to answer them. The reason - I DONT KNOW.

Why is it that I dont know? I have been following something without even bothering to explore the root of the traditions..

Take for example, I wear a 'holy thread' around my body (Janivara - which is mandatory for all brahmins). I know a little of basics why it is worn. But is there more to the fact that it indicates the start of 'Brahmacharya' or learning phase? Is there a reason why that evolved..What is the reason for the 3 threads? As far as I know, when the Brahmopadesha (the ceremony of wearing the thread) happened, I was told the significance and importance of it. But why have I forgotten? My memory is bad.. But some things I might not have known at all..

Down the road, I feel sad that many traditions may followed without knowing the reason. And someday ppl will definitely 'question the reason' and wont be ready to follow something blindly. Can we let the history and traditions go down so easily? It is but natural to rebel something if you are not convinced to follow it.

When we start following any tradition or advised about it, we need to ask and know why we do it. Ask the elders about the traditions. Take the knowledge that they have before it is too late so that you can impart it to the future generations.

Not just the traditions..I feel it is important to question each and every action of ours even in the daily lives too, to know why we do it. Every small thing, we need to question. Not to rebel but to enlighten ourselves...So that we dont misguide people. So that we are answerable to our actions. So that we dont make a fool of ourselves when we are questioned about our actions.

Only then you would know if you are doing right or wrong.So we are not in contradiction when questioned. Many may feel I start arguments just for the heck of it. Some may feel I am rebelling just for fun. But the real reason is I am trying to make the other person realize that they may be doing something blindly, Or I am looking to enlighten myself about others opinions..

The blog has gone from me writing about my knowledge of traditions to the fact that we must ask questions. Questions are the ones which will bring out the answers. So, I feel questions are more important than answers. So, exploring the answers for the unknown questions are the way to get wise and knowledgible.

The previous paragraph says I intended to write about knowledge of traditions to 'asking questions'. So, when I wrote the previous paragraph, you should have questioned "how did I know the title before writing the blog?". The answer is, I wrote the blog first and the title later... As simple as that.. Only if you question me, Ill know why I do what I do. Or atleast I know that I have to get my answers, or that I am wrong..

What is wrong??

Let me come straight to the point..

What is wrong with this combination??

Myself, Car ,Austin and March-April

Every time I go to Austin, somethin or the other does go wrong.. First time in Mar 2007, when i went to visit Austin, my car broke down,(to an extent that it was undrivable and I had to sell my car)..Another time, my car slid off the road and again an undrivable situation... And the latest.. when I went to meet Dev in Austin, everything was ok until some theif, broke into my car..(my right passenger rear vent glass) was shattered..)

Now, this makes me wonder what is really happening here?? Is it the stars? Is it the astronomical position of the stars having their effect on me??? Till now, I was not really bothering about astrology.. now I am thinking if this really is true and if true, how far is it true...

One more thing I am wondering is whether I must be superstitious about it and be wary of the combination I mentioned.. or should I fight my fears??? Should I sell off my car because there is something wrong with it?? (I tend to think otherwise).. Should I not bother about the recurring mishaps and continue my trips to Austin undeterred??? Or is it really the fact that my misdeeds of the past are backfiring on me??(KARMA??)

What is it I should believe in??

Image of my car after the break in... :(