Respect

Many formal religions have very defined value systems. In some cases, those who follow a particular path choose whether they adhere to the rules in a strict fashion or not, but in other cases, there are strict consequences for taking things in your own hands.

One of the things that Hindus and Catholics have in common is a high regard for the gift of life, but the former may outrank the latter when it comes to the degree of strictness with which they observe this particular rule.

India is a place of many cultures and many religions. At least on the surface, it seems that Hindus, Muslims and Christians live in relative harmony (in this particular part of the world. Not far away, in the country of Pakistan, the picture is markedly different, but from what I hear, India is at least tolerant and at most welcoming to many varied nationalities and several very different and differing religious and value systems.

Coming from another part of the world, it does not surprise me to see traffic competing for space on the highways here, but traffic patterns are very unique in this part of the world. Transport trucks, vans, and cars compete with rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and pedestrians for space on the roadways. Nowhere is this more visble than at some of the intersections where it seems that not two but three or four roads intersect and traffic (which struggles at the best of time to follow the one-car-one-lane rule) intermingles in a dance that somehow results with rare incidence of accident, while mezmerizing the visitor as he is caught up in the dance that unfolds before his eyes.

Oh, there's yet another chorus that plays in this symphony too. Among the various modes of transport, both mechanical and otherwise, these streets are also home to cows, wild boar, dogs, cats and even monkeys (all considered to be sacred and deserving of their moment in the sun) competing for their own slice of the pie.

All this makes for a dizzying pace, and it's absolutely amazing that there are no accidents (at least it doesn't seem so). How does this happen, and better, how is it that the drivers and others who are caught up in this walz don't ever seem to lose their cool? Answer: it all comes down to respect.

One Hindu will greet another, not with a handshake but with a bow while clasping his or her hands in front of the chest. This simple act is meant as one of reverence as one soul greets another, as one person greets another, as one being demonstrates profound respect for another who shares the path of life.