Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the Rethinking Forum virtually. The weekend consisted of talks, stories, and satsangs with bhajans and stories. A satsang is literally a “truth gathering.” The group comes together to tell religious stories and sing bhajans (religious worship songs sung in a particularly Indian way, think the artist Aradhna).
The Rethinking Forum meets once a year to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ alongside Hindus. Many (but not all) of the attendees would consider themselves Yeshu Bhaktas (in Hindi: devotees of Jesus). They worship Jesus in an Indian way, a way that would be familiar to Hindus.
I came across this group last year at the suggestion of my pastor. I had attended RF in person and felt so drawn to this community. Immediately I felt at home. I felt like these were my people! Satsang felt so natural. Ever since that, American-style worship gatherings just don’t connect with me. Knowing that Christian worship can look different, that it can be especially Indian, I have a hard time being in a large auditorium and all the things that go with that. I feel so much more comfortable seated in a loose circle, gathered with a small group of people, singing along with each other, playing simple instruments, singing in Hindi, with the sweet scent of incense burning. That feels like worship to me. That’s how I feel best in expressing my love of and thankfulness to God.
Of course, RF is more than the satsang. The talks and stories encouraged me to consider following Christ in an Indian way. One particular thing that struck me was a comment by one of the speakers. I can’t remember who he was speaking to, but it felt like he was speaking to me. He said something along the lines of, “Thank your mother for you faith. Her devotion showed you what it’s like to have faith in God.” That hit me. For me though it applies for both of my parents. Their devotion and faith in God set an example to me of how to trust in God. They didn’t do all of the devotional poojas and daily prayers like many Hindus, but they held a deep faith in God. Although I don’t follow Hindu philosophy, and I base my life on the God of the Bible, I understand faith because of their example. And for that I am thankful.
The Rethinking Forum was just amazing. And I’m so excited for what God is doing through this community.
Radha Vyas 