Some time ago, I was a part of an International community of spiritual seekers who had gathered together in India, at the feet of our master. There were seekers from almost sixty countries from around the globe.

A journal was being brought out every month. The editor, a loveable little Swami, once decided to dedicate an article each, on national traits of six countries, to be written by respective nationals living in the Commune. There was the American Dream, the British Apology, the Italian Melodrama, the German Earthiness, the Russian Depression and the French Romance.

Upon hearing the plan, I walked into the editor's cubicle and demanded to know why the Indian nationality was not being represented " What trait would you speak about ?' he demanded in return, "Why, spirituality of course, the great Indian national characteristic is religion. Is that not so !".

"India ? and spiritual ? You must be joking." He gave out an uproarious laugh.

With an attempt at mockery I enquired "What's so funny ? Haven't you heard of the Buddha, Mahavira, Krishna or Shiva ? You seem to be new around here. Your own master is from India, you know."

Growing a little serious at this remark, he said "if by religion you mean a few bettlenuts, a few incense sticks, or rice flakes or coconuts or rituals, then I concede INDIA IS RELIGIOUS, and her people holy, but you see here we don't consider all this spiritual. We call it superstition."

"And what about Yoga, Dhayna and Tantra ? Is that religion for you or not ?" I enquired. "What has happened is a lot of crap has crept in over the centuries that India spent in religion. Caste system for instance is atrocious and anti-religious" he said.

"Anyway I would let you write the article on the Indian characteristic if you bring one distinct, purely Indian trait to me, no matter if it's positive, negative or whatever". He offered me a challenge. Negative national characteristic ? I began to go over this whole question of Indianness.
o Corruption ? But that's a human trait
o Orthodox ? All old cultures and societies can be called that name.
o Loving ? Huh. Doesn't sound Indian at all !
o National pride ? Can't see it around any more.

So what is it then ? Is it then Time Pass ? Judging by the Bollywood films and TV soap operas, this does seem close to being a national pass time. To work hard at doing nothing.

Is that why Indians gave zero, 'shunya' to the world ? I wonder.

I did not contribute to the journal but it contributed to my Discovery of India.

Arun Babani
13/31 MHB Colony,
Reclamation, Bandra (W),
Mumbai 400050.