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Hinduism and Computers

Namdev Nirakar

For some hinduism is difficult to understand - for others computers are a mystery. This story helps both parts to understand better.

“Hinduism is so complex. I still do not understand it “, said Eesha, a young girl, to uncle Ashok. She was sitting at her computer. Seeing her uncle Ashok, back from the temple, she immediately asked him about something that was puzzling her.
“What happened?” asked Ashok. “I go to the temple with my parents and we worship all these idols. But I do not know why?” She asked.

“We will talk about it. But I see that you have a new computer. Are you going to give me a demo now?” asked Ashok.
“Sure, I have already powered it on. This is the monitor, this is the keyboard, and this is a mouse”, said Eesha.
“ It doesn’t look like a mouse, except for the thin tail like chord it has”, noted uncle Ashok.

“Yes, that is why it is called a mouse. You can control and operate the computer with it. You see all these small pictures, these are all different programs. These pictures are called ‘icons’ and you click on them to start that program”, Eesha informed.

“How interesting! Just like in your computer, the Hindu ‘icons’ or idols in the temple or in homes are also symbolic of higher values. These icons also relate Hindu history. Just as the symbol of a pair of scissors on your computer is symbolic for ‘cut’ operation and the icon of ‘glue bottle’ is a symbol of ‘paste’ operation, or a paint brush or a spray can are symbols for paint or spray operations, so are Hindu icons representative of values a person should aspire for and symbolic of the Hindu history. Let us take example of Ganesh, the ‘God of beginnings’ with an elephant’s head riding on a mouse”, Ashok said.
“Yes, I wanted to ask you about Lord Ganesh. How can he ride a mouse?” asked Eesha.

“A mouse is tiny, and can go every where without anyone noticing it. It can be everywhere, but yet very small. Just like our mind. We don’t know where mind is located, and it seems to run everywhere”, Ashok replied.

“So a mouse represents our mind!” Eesha concluded.
“Correct! and when Ganesha, the Lord of beginnings rides on this mind or controls it, then you can advance spiritually. Just as you use the mouse to control and utilize the power of the computer, you must control and use the mind to realize your power”, Ashok explained.

“But why the elephant head for Ganesha?” she asked.
“Ganesha represents many things. His wide elephant ears show he is ‘Bahushruta’- widely knowledgeable, and the ear’s winnowing basket like shape represents ability to separate essence from the fluff. Elephants of course are known for great memory and intellect, hence the large head.

Even now one cannot find a robot, which is capable of lifting something very heavy (weighing a ton), and at the same time being capable of precisely lifting a tiny pin. But an elephant’s trunk can lift and uproot huge trees, and also sift and pick up a blade of grass. So a trunk represents a sense of discrimination (Vivek) between gross (JaDa) and subtle (sookshma). His small eyes represent ability to keep an ‘eye’ on tiniest matter”, said Ashok.

He continued, “Also the story of Ganesha’s birth goes as follows: ‘Ganesha was created by his mother Parvati out of her ‘sweat’. When Shiva, the supreme Lord came, Ganesha refused to acknowledge Shiva. So Shiva removed Ganesha’s human head and upon Parvati’s urging replaced it with an elephant’s head. 

Let us look at the meaning of this story: When we work hard and accomplish something, we say “I have built this with my own sweat”. So accomplishments result from sweat and hard work, but usually that increases our ego. We say, “I did this”. We even forget God. So in order to progress on spiritual path, this ego ‘ahamkar’ must be chopped off and replaced with an elephant’s head with the qualities of knowledge, memory, sense of discrimination, sensitivity.”

“Very interesting, but why do we have all these different symbols or icons? “ Eesha asked.

“Eesha, in school you are being a student, on the playground you are a player, you are a sister to your brother, a daughter to your parents, and so on. Do you act as a student with your parents? No.

So are there many Eeshas? No. Similarly different icons in Hinduism represent a different aspect OF THE SAME God. His (or Her) creative aspect is called as Brahma, the preserving aspect is called Vishnu and the destructive aspect is called Shiva and so on. You have the SAME computer, which has a spreadsheet program, a word processor program and communication or print program, and you use the same computer but use or invoke a different ‘aspect’ or click on a different icon as you need. Similarly Hinduism represents different aspect of the SAME God that you ‘click’ on to develop particular ability”, Ashok said.

“Do you know when the computers initially came they did not have the icons. Then the ‘knowledgeable’ programmers used ‘long strings’ of commands. But it became difficult for common man to use. Hence the graphic representation or icons came in. Similarly, in the beginning Hindu Rishis wrote hymns called Vedas, which do not have icons. But later on icons were used so common people could learn and ‘click’ on this knowledge”, he added.

“Like me?” Eesha asked.
“Yes, like you and me”, Ashok replied. “Ironically, even most Hindus get caught up in the rituals and do not go beyond them. If you offer garlands and flowers to computer without clicking on the icons, will you get get any benefit? Of course not! Unfortunately, most people mistakenly consider those who do ritualistic worship as ‘devotees’. Just as by using a computer you improve our efficiency and skills, ‘clicking’ on the true devotion will improve your life.”

“So Eesha, you now know that Hindu icons are symbols and represent different aspects of the SAME God. They also represent various attributes that we must develop. By clicking on the ‘true’ Bhakti or devotion and not just ritualistic devotion, you can develop and utilize the great power within.” Ashok concluded.

“Of course there are those who reject symbols completely and erroneously brag that they are being modern.” He added. 
“That would be like rejecting the computer itself”, Eesha added.

“So now let us get on with the computer demonstration,” they both said.

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