I was raised in a fairly liberal Hindu family. We have never really stuck to the rules and regulations, but it's more of a cultural thing. But I've found a strong, real belief in Christ. It's been more than one year that I have been secretly reading the Bible and praying to a god different from that which my parents pray. I know I need to tell them sometime, but I am afraid my parents won't understand and take my conversion as a rebellion against them and society, rather than seeing it as me finding my own personal truth. How can I tell my parents without making them feel as though I am just trying to rebel against the norm?No Name,
Dear No Name,
I do not know your age, so it is not clear whether this is a part of either intellectual or spiritual growth. In any case, if this is a genuine case of personal growth, then it is important for you to enter more deeply into this new life. The hard part, of course, is communicating your interest to your family. One sure-fire method is to show in your daily life how much freedom and happiness you experience as a result of your new-found discovery of the Bible. The fact that yours is a relatively open to alternate interpretation of religious practices may be helpful. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding, so your good example of a happy, meaningful life will no doubt impress them. The main thing is not to compare or stress one religion over another. That is not the point. What counts is what works for you. Good luck!
I come from a fairly poor family outside the Valley. My parents are both farmers and my brother is working in Dubai. We live a simple life and I enjoyed that life but still wanted something more. A few years ago I felt really lucky when I received a scholarship to a very good school in Kathmandu. It felt so good to know I would be getting such a good education and that people noticed I had worked hard. I enjoy the learning aspect of school, but I have found it hard adjusting to the school itself. Most of the students come from well-off families and it's difficult to keep up with the status-quo. They all know I am the 'poor kid on a scholarship' and I feel a sense of subtle discrimination. I don't really have any close friends and I miss my old village life more than I ever thought I would. What should I do?Abhinash
Dear Abhinash,
Your situation is not rare or unusual. I have seen this many times in Nepal. It is nice to provide quality education to those who need it, but little thought is ever given to the social development of the student. One possible solution is for the school to provide extra support to scholarship students, which is seldom provided, eg counselling, tutoring and supervision. On your part, now that you know what the situation is like, you need to decide how you are going to get the education you need and accept the fact that you need a scholarship. I myself studied from class nine all the way to Masters level on scholarship because I could not afford my education. For me, a scholarship was a badge of distinction rather then a crutch. I needed it and I deserved it. So what is needed is a change of attitude about being a needy student. This will help you settle down and concentrate on being a good student.
I am a 17 year old boy from a fairly well-off family. I do all the normal things youngsters do these days, but the thing is, a few weeks back, my younger brother was riding with an older friend on a motorbike and got in an accident. He suffered a brain injury and is unconscious. The doctor says he will get a bit better, but that his injury is a permanent condition. When I look at my brother, I feel as though I don't know him anymore. He is a totally different person. I feel so alone and none of my friends have experienced such a traumatic event so I haven't shared my emotions with anyone. What should I do?Disturbed Brother
Dear Disturbed Brother,
You already have begun to share your emotions in this note. Good for you! There is not much you can do about your brother's condition, but you can begin to accept it and its consequences. Your brother will never be the same as before, but he is still your brother; he is not another person, only a different person. It is okay to feel differently about your brother's condition and behaviour. I hope that you will be able to find someone with whom you can share your discomfort. You have already made a good start
Send your problems to wave@himalmedia.com. LV Brooks. SJ has decades of experience in counselling and has worked as guidance counselor at St Xavier's College.
