Beyond Religion: The Healing Power of Cultural Identity
Mahika Kandanala
Growing up, I found myself in a community of people who were different from me in many ways. As the only one with coconut oil in my hair and a mother who wore a bindi, I felt like an outsider. Naturally, I questioned who I was. Why was my name so different from others? Why couldn’t I go out as often? Did other people go to the temple? As a result of this perceived “otherness”, I tried to hide all the parts of me that were distinctly Indian. I wanted to fit in. I wanted to be accepted the way everybody else was. Fast forward, I am 21 now, and desperately trying to learn more about where I came from. Amidst the COVID pandemic, I found solace in Hinduism and delved deeper into its teachings. The Bhagavad Gita and the stories of the deities brought me immense comfort during a challenging time.
In 2019, I entered a dark period of my life; I left home and went to Australia for schooling, and many of these issues surfaced during this experience. I began questioning myself, and my mental health began to deteriorate. As I learned to cope with my feelings, I developed an interest in astrology. It was a source of amusement and entertainment - studying the stars brought some light to my life. As I dove deeper, I learned that astrology is rooted in Hinduism. This connection made astrology even more intriguing. I expanded this knowledge with other Hindu practices like meditation and yoga, and learned that a lesser known name for Hinduism is Satanana Dharma. This is less of a religion and more of a guide on how to live your life.
I have experienced depressive episodes and anxiety that at times become overwhelming, leaving me unsure of how to manage them. However, by incorporating yoga and meditation into my daily routine, I have found a newfound sense of control. In line with the fundamental principle of Satanana Dharma, which emphasizes the detachment from "sense objects," I have come to understand that worldly possessions do not provide the fulfillment that my soul truly seeks. Instead, recognizing that everything happens for a higher purpose has enabled me to view situations and experiences in a different light. Rather than feeling as though things are happening to me, I have learned to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. This shift in perspective has allowed me to be more compassionate towards myself, and to let go of self-criticism and shame. Through my connection with this essential aspect of my culture, I have become more attuned to my own needs and aspirations, and have grown more connected to the person I strive to be.
While it's not necessary to subscribe to any particular religion or belief system, exploring your cultural heritage can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. By learning more about my roots, I was able to tap into a fundamental aspect of my identity and gain a greater sense of connection to myself. Connecting with my religion allowed me to appreciate and understand myself on a deeper level. It helped me to confront and overcome the internal challenges that I have faced. I believe that this kind of self-exploration can be transformative for anyone, regardless of their religious or spiritual background.
