Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Sutapa das
Think of someone you go to when you need help... someone who is always available... someone who has all the answers... someone who never gets angry or frustrated. Yes, I’m sure you’ve guessed it... Google! Those of you who were thinking of God are just old fashioned and out-of-touch! Google now logs 2 billion searches everyday, which translates to around 300 million users. According to internet trends, the term "Google" is searched for more than the terms "God", "Jesus", "Allah", "Buddha", "Christianity", "Islam", "Buddhism" and "Judaism" combined. There is now a “Church of Google,” and they even have a list of commandments that they follow!Unfortunately, the reality is that Google does fall short in key areas. The popular search engine provides access to a storehouse of information, collected through the study and research of millions of people. However, even the combination of a million human brains will struggle to grasp transcendental realities beyond the experience of the mind and senses. Google has the ability to answer a multitude of questions and queries, but when it comes to establishing a personal, loving and meaningful relationship with its users, the search engine falls short. Google may have backed up its servers and arranged emergency power supplies, but it is definitely not eternal, immortal or omnipresent; we have all experienced the volatility of modern technology. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Google fan, but it definitely can’t discharge God’s job description.
While technology undoubtedly enhances aspects of our lives, solves certain problems and brings a sense of security, it cannot replace the deep yearning for spiritual connection. The discoveries and innovations of modern science are undoubtedly praiseworthy and notable. However, the notion that such advancements have replaced the need for spirituality is not only erroneous, but frankly a little arrogant and bigheaded. As spiritual beings, our number one priority is to reawaken our true sense of self awareness, inner happiness and relationship with God. To the extent that technology aids us in our personal spiritual journey, and simultaneously helps us to communicate such knowledge to the world, to that extent we gratefully accept its utility. Otherwise, we are quite happy to do without.
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