[Reader-list] In response to "Between Yogi's and Jogi's"

[gowhar fazli]

In response to Y. Saeed's 'between yogi and jogi'...
 

I have been following the writings especially on the
veil with some interest.  

I think Yousuf's request for a context to the
Postings is a valid one. But one would wonder why it
is required?  Is it to normalize Muslim day-to-day
life in largely westernized or hinduized society?  I
do not agree with the benignity in which the said
Muslim institutions are portrayed in Yogi's postings. 
But that is yogi's view and style.  How i benefit from
his interviews is the detail that he furnishes for a
reader to derive his own conclusions and a view into
the subjectivity of the 'believers' whom one does not
normally meet in the safe intellectual circles we are
used to.

I find it more pertinent to examine the reactionary
responses to his mere reportage!  It appears as though
the way a certain section of practicing Muslim's
normally lives or thinks is so 'abnormal' that it
needs to be explained away before it is spoken about. 

One finds these wounded 'Hindu' and 'feminist'
sensibilities on this portrayal of 'another way of
life' amusing.  There seems to be no critical
engagement, empathy or an attempt to understand what
is happening... but a mere aesthetic abhorrence or
ridicule on the sight of the 'other'.... as though
being  one does not need to be self conscious of being
'modern' 'feminist' or 'Hindu'.  (Even then some of
the responses are stimulating and i have forwarded
them personally to some of the believers i happen to
know with the hope to encourage a true culture of
dialogue.  




Unfortunately, the balance of nature decrees that a super-abundance of dreams is paid for by a growing potential for nightmares.   
      
Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit. 

Peter Ustinov


       
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