spiritual discussionsThis is the place at AW for mamas to learn about all different religions and beliefs, to ask questions, to give answers- all done with respect! if you don't have anything nice to say here- don't say anything at all.
Religious symbols on wahm products, it bothers me, need opinion
I'm seeing more and more items with OM on them. To me OM is the original sound, part of our religious tradition, it represents God to me and many million Hindus.
I don't like seeing it on shoes or soakers or diapers. It bothers me. It offends me, makes me sad.
To hippies, OM is just another "cool thing", to me it's part of my beleif.
I wonder how Christian mamas would feel if someone put Lord Jesus on shoes or on soakers? or Muslim mamas if Allah's name was in such places? I mean, would you want the One you worship to be dragged in mud and dirt, or worse, sat on?
How can I tell those Wahms what it means to Hindus?
I don't want to hurt them, because their work is beautiful, but seing God in such bad places really makes me cry.
What do you all think?
Ys,
Radhanuga
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We have a natural connection with every living entity. One who sees everyone connected to God does not hate anyone, he loves everyone... and that love comes to the point where you consider other's pains and pleasures more important than your pains and pleasures.
Last edited by SweetnSour : 01-25-2005 at 01:40 PM.
I see your point...I would be offended to see Jesus, Lord, God, used in an inappropriate way. I would not buy from a company that did such a thing. However when I was a WAHM, I would have wanted to know if something I was doing was an insult to another's religion. I think if I were you, I would try to respectfully tell the company that it bothers you and perhaps many other people. If they do not respect that, I would not support that company.
The words you used here are fine. Tell them exactly as you have told us. Some may not realize it, and will be glad you let them know so they can modify their works. Others may not take it well, but that is their decision, at least they know what it means, then.
I know it can be hard to speak up, but I think in this case it is important.
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"The night sky was bright with anticipation."
Hmmmm. I've never thought of this before, nor encountered this opinion before now either.
For me, as a Pagan, I wouldn't be offended by any usage of any of my symbols on products -- The only way that I would personally be offended is if it were being used in a derogatory manner.
However, since it is bothersome to you, I would take a moment to email companies and inform them of why you feel that way. If you can provide reading material based factually in your faith online to share with them, I would send that information in your letter.
When we are bothered by something at such a deep level, then we should act. To not do so is detrimental to our Hearts and Souls I think.
I wish you well with this endeavor. Thanks for giving me something to contemplate this evening.
As someone who uses the Om symbol in my business, I would like to speak up.
I am not Hindu, but the Om is not strictly a Hindu sound. It is also used in Buddhism which I do practice. I use the Om as a spiritual sound and symbol. For me, using it in my business is inviting its meaning and blessing into my work. Among many other things in Buddhism "OM" purifies attachment to bliss and pride, which I feel is entirely appropriate in keeping with the values I wish to represent for my business. I don't feel it is any more 'wrong' for me to use the symbol than it is for someone who believes in Jesus to use the symbol of a cross or a Star of David for someone for whom that is significant.
I also use the name of the goddess Lakshmi in my business (and obviously my online identity here). That is equally as conscious of a choice to invite the presence of what she embodies into my life.
I can understand why you feel the way you do, and realize that there certainly are many many people who use the Om symbol without really understanding what it means, but I also would hold in mind that there are those who use it and do understand its meaning.
Originally posted by lakshmi_mama As someone who uses the Om symbol in my business, I would like to speak up.
I can understand why you feel the way you do, and realize that there certainly are many many people who use the Om symbol without really understanding what it means, but I also would hold in mind that there are those who use it and do understand its meaning.
Ooops, I guess I wasn't clear. Your use of Om is great and doesn't bother me at all. Nor is the use of Jesus, Allah or David's star.
What does bother me is seing it on items that are to be worn on feet or on the butt.
I would not at all be offended by a nice Wahm shirt with a Om on the chest. But seing it on shoes or on the back of a soaker is what I was talking about.
I also will use a few symbols and Demigods in the design of my site, for blessing and other reasons. My post was only in regards to them being put in odd, or disrespectful places.
Like for exemple, you would not put Buddha on a soaker or shoes, knowing He would be dragged through mud or sat on.
I was listening to a book on tape yesterday written by the Dalai Lama. He was talking about how we celebrate eating beautiful food, but then we hide what it turns into, beginning when we eat it. How it holds the same energy and meaning when it is going in as when it is coming out. lol. Your thoughts about the symbol being used on a diaper made me think of this.
Originally posted by lakshmi_mama Kind of OT, but kind of not...
I was listening to a book on tape yesterday written by the Dalai Lama. He was talking about how we celebrate eating beautiful food, but then we hide what it turns into, beginning when we eat it. How it holds the same energy and meaning when it is going in as when it is coming out. lol. Your thoughts about the symbol being used on a diaper made me think of this.
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