Religion. I hate it. More appropriately, I hate organizers of religion as they’ve yet to learn that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Those we entrust to shepherd the flock far too often become the wolves we fear the most.
At a very young age, I remember coming to the realization that Christianity spread throughout the world like a plague on humanity. Resistance was futile because they had the weapons, the armies and the power to force their beliefs on anyone who would not accept Jesus Christ as their One and Only Lord and Saviour. To my younger self, it seemed like the most un-Christian thing to do.
Great civilizations crumbled because they refused to be indoctrinated into the church. Blood was spilled and lives were lost, all to ensure those people’s souls would not suffer eternal damnation by forces they refused to believe in. If being a Christian was all about being kind and considerate and spreading the word of Jesus, they were holding back the chapters and verses that told you to go out and inflict great physical harm to your neighbour until they welcomed Christ into their home. Unfortunately, much of that still tracks to this day.
I choose to exist in a world where I can cobble together my own set of beliefs. I believe in empathy and thoughtfulness. I believe that we can accomplish more by lifting each other up as opposed to tearing others down. I treat our most vulnerable in a way that I would like to be treated because there’s no guarantee that I won’t find myself in their company at some point in my life. I believe that people should embrace whatever religion speaks to THEM the most. Not the religion that others are trying to force feed them. As long as you’re not hurting animals or other people, you do you, and I’ll do me.
Limiting yourself to one religion is doing just that: limiting yourself. Read about other religions. Learn about other Deities and Gods and what they mean to their followers. If you see something you like, incorporate it into your belief system. The only person preventing you from embracing new ideas is you. Who knows how much happier you could be if you discovered new perspectives to help you with your daily struggles?
On that note, Four Horsemen Studios just introduced me to my new best friend, Ganesha:
One of the most recognizable deities in the Hindu pantheon is the elephant-headed Ganesha. With a name that joins the words gana (meaning ‘group’) and isha (meaning ‘lord’ or ‘master’), Ganesha is often referred to as the ‘Lord of Hosts’ or the ‘Lord of the People’, a fitting moniker for this beloved deity who is the next entry into the ranks of the Figura Obscura.
Ganesha is a bringer of luck and remover of obstacles. This deity is worshipped by people as they begin new endeavors, hoping that his favor will bring them success in their dealings. Devotees often offer Ganesha sweets, and he is regularly depicted carrying a bowl of treats including modaka (a soft outer shell of rice or wheat flour filled with coconut and jagger) or spherical sweets called laddu.
…Readily identifiable by his elephant head and four arms, Ganesha is considered a patron of the arts and sciences with attributes that include intellect and wisdom and he is often associated with education as a patron of letters and learning.
Ganesha is a non-sectarian deity that is worshipped by almost all castes and in all parts of India. In fact, it is said that nearly all Hindu homes in India have an idol of Ganapati, or Ganesha, in them and depictions of this deity can be found far outside of India.
Four arms, an elephant head and an affection for sweets. We’re practically related! I don’t know the patron saints by heart, but if there’s an equivalent “bringer of luck and remover of obstacles”, I’m sure he doesn’t pack a pachyderm’s proboscis. Ganesha is wise, appreciates the arts and sciences and loves to learn. All of that speaks directly to my soul and I didn’t know Ganesha was out there until I had my world-view expanded. Spiritual enrichment in action figure form. Four Horsemen Studios never ceases to amaze me with their Figura Obscura releases.
Ganesha is a brand-new “brute scale” figure from the bottom of his feet to the top of his removable crown. He features the elephant head and 4 arms that this deity is most known for, along with premium soft goods created by CJesim, a number of removable bracelets and other jewelry pieces, and character specific accessories including a bowl of modaka, a parashu (axe), a pasha, bowls of fruit, and a rat. While Ganesha only includes the single head, the crown is removable and that head features articulated ears and a “bendy” trunk. He also includes a number of extra hands and a base for the figure to sit on. The set is absolutely loaded with parts that were newly created for this special release.
Ganesha is another stunning addition to the Figura Obscura line.The details in the accessories are second to none. Once you have him fully decked out, it’s a work of art. Trevor Williams photography for Ganesha are masterpieces.
I’ve welcomed Ganesha into my home and he’s brought me nothing but joy. The next time I start a new project I’ll eat some sweets with Ganesha in hopes that he will remove any obstacle I encounter. Wonder if there’s a good modaka place around here?
