Date Night With the Willies: Dinner Groups

We went to a dinner party at the McCash's tonight and had a really great time with Aaron and Julie S., Tashya P., our hosts Liz and Doug, and their wonderful neighbor, Rinki, and her son and parents, Neelum and RDK. It was a fabulously enriching evening. Rinki's parents are visiting from Delhi, India, and our conversation was rich with history lessons about India and the Hindu way of life.

One very interesting cultural lesson came from RDK, Rinky's father, who told is more about Ghandi, and how he influenced the nation. I have always just assumed that Ghandi had held some kind of religious or political office. False. He was just a good man who gained masses of followers by teaching peace and setting an good example. RDK says that he stood for so many good things, that there is a picture of Ghandi hanging in every government owned building in India. Ghandi is a symbol that remind both the people and the political professionals of the morals and ideals that the leaders and people of India want to represent. 

My thoughts: and here we are in America, fighting to remove any symbol, flag or religiously affiliated statements from government managed properties. There are 10 commandment monuments in state parks that groups are fighting to take down. No flags, artwork depicting or scriptures quoting Jesus, no symbols that represent anyone's faith, here in America. We might offend someone! Rinky replied that it's outrageous how over sensitive we are in a misguided way. Even when these symbols and statements are not of our own faith, if they still represent good message or bring peace to the community, they should stay and be respected by all. Taking offense is a very different concept in India. There is no political correctness, because anyone with a problem with someone else's beliefs is encouraged to meditate and reflect on why they are so bothered by the way another person finds happiness. Interesting! Here are some of the people we are trying to keep from offending, and they are not only not offended by religious monuments, but honor them because they bring peace and happiness to others. Rinki said, what kind of nation are we if we have no moral standard? During this election, these have been my thoughts exactly. 

I was fascinated by the meaning behind  between many Hindu customs they explained to us, and so so many of them correlate with Christian traditions.  I could have talked to Rinki all night. I just loved her.

 Rinki and Neelum offered to teach me to make Indian food. I can't wait! Thanks for hosting an absolutely fabulous evening, McCashs!