Perceptions and characterisations about being “Indian” in many spiritual groups run deep. Also the way “Indians” are perceived around the globe runs deep, as well as the image Indians give out themselves is varied, complex and even geographically different. Also how spiritual masters percieve different groups of “Indians” runs diverse and deep; and it also depends to which group they are speaking with, when and in what context and sometimes whom they want to appeal to. How American spiritual devotees live and work with “Indians” under the same spiritual roof, is also interesting and hilarious to watch ‘sometimes’ (imagine taking a tight American planned and labelled apprach and dumping it or lets say sharing it lovingly -:) on an Indian who refuses to label things, does not think in a linear fashion and needs many chai breaks and perhaps has never seen a strategic plan in his/her life ha ha).
In any culture/creed debate, generalisations are very difficult to make and at the same time they are still sub consciously made and people behave/react/be proactive based on those sub-conscious vibrations; sometimes vehemently and sometimes lovingly. Being free of culture traits can truly lead to the ultimate freedom. But its a very very subtle process, since culture traits are sub conscious, because they get automatically ingrained as we grow up. Either you were “lucky” (in quotes, because I am sure you planned it ahead of time) to have multi cultural influences in your childhood; or you are bold enough to look into your sub conscious process, be deeply reflective and accepting of yourself (because a lot of junk mail can also pop out of the sub conscious) and then consciously design an uncluttered and “natural” view of the world. And at the same time culture brings with it richness, colour, grounding, love, community etc. So, a very interesting topic.
Dennis Taraporewala 