I grew up in Maharashtra, India – the land of ancient Vedic tradition. It is a part of the world that worships the five elements and hundreds of deities bearing different names.
As a kid, I have seen many poor communities that lived happily and harmoniously without any luxuries. Such communities included people from different backgrounds, earning their living through inherited skills like in carpentry, weaving, pottery, metal work and so on. Once a week, a washerman picked up laundry from our home and returned it the following week washed, ironed and neatly folded. There were 'Tongawalas' who earned livelihood by driving a horse cart. There was an elderly Muslim gentleman who rode over 20 miles every day on his bicycle to deliver newspapers and magazines. A barber came home occasionally to give us a haircut. A carpenter made us a cricket bat and benches from waste wood for a song! The grocer gave us credit, fully trusting us. A fruit vendor on his bicycle sold us fruits. There were numerous small tradesmen who made a honest living selling all kinds of wares and services door-to-door. There were travelling salesman who used to sell salt, cloth, bangles, aluminium utensils, cheap toys, ice cream etc. A kalaivala used to amuse the kids by setting up a shop on the ground.
Each of them was very happy pursuing his profession and we loved them for their dedication to work. In general, workers had pride in their workmanship and most importantly were contented. Being happy was primary. Earning money was secondary.
The primary school I studied at had no electric gadgets like fans, television or telephones. People believed in nature as the Almighty that provides resources for living. It was considered a sin to sell water or spit into it. I have witnessed people greeting each other by chanting the Lord’s name “Ram Ram.” Disputes in villages were often amicably settled in a ‘panchayat’ – a small court headed by the village chieftain – without any paperwork.
Social practices too had a code of behavior. It was considered a duty for sons to take care of old parents. Divorce was almost unheard of. At home, parents encouraged kids to wake up before sunrise and offer prayers. Every morning and evening, oil lamps must be lit at home. People believed (many still do) that some plants and trees like Tulasi, Neem, Bilva, Peepal, were divine. Even a blade of grass is a divine fit for offering to Lord Ganesha.
For most of us, life was simple, smooth and fun. Such was the great Wisdom of Vedic Tradition!
