A need for community

I've always been a rebel at heart. i must admit that i've sometimes taken so much pleasure in 'rebelling', that i've actually counter-argued against a stand that i agreed with. however, sinful pleasures aside, I must sadly mention that i attended a close relative's funeral today. it's a sad affair really, a lot of relatives were present and while the deceased was aged and his death probably a release to himself, one must recognize an individual's presence, particularly when he's left us.

I write this blog today solemn-ed somewhat. Being a rebel, i came to know how important community really is, especially in today's day and age, when people are increasingly 'individualistic', rather than 'community' oriented. I for one, have no idea how to even conduct myself in a temple, much less have any knowledge of any hindu 'processes' if you will. My guess is that i'm not alone, and in such a time, it is community that comes to the rescue- one offers knowledge of this, another that and so we create a 'pot' of information (often unfortunately, opinion). however, nothing in life is one-sided. with good comes bad, and vice versa.

At the end of the day, i realized something sad, that family, especially extended ones, seem to come together only at major occassions- weddings, parties, anniversaries, etc. however, it seems only in death are we truly coming together, sharing in each other's sorrows, which is truly more difficult than sharing joy. furthermore, we seem to forget animosities, grudges and so forth, only at this sad 'occassion', recognizing there is a bigger issue at hand.

Till death we stay apart, in Death we unite....