The Picture Of The Hindu God That Barack Obama Carries For Good Luck
This is the photo that is igniting a firestorm of controversy all over the internet. This photograph from Time magazine is of Barack Obama displaying the items that he carries with him for good luck. These items include a bracelet that belonged to a soldier deployed in Iraq, a gambler’s lucky chit, a tiny Madonna and child, and most notably of all a small idol of a Hindu god.
The Hindu god that Obama carries with him has been circled in red. Time magazine did not identify the specific Hindu god that the idol represents, but some Hindu websites have been quick to point out that the Hindu god depicted is actually known as "Hanuman".
The Hindustan Times is just one of the publications that are positively identifying this idol as Hanuman:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=fa4bfb48-8347-4da7-a7dc-0a0fefff413d&MatchID1=4706&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=7&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1188&PrimaryID=4706&Headline=Obama+seeks+Hanuman
Obama's father was a Kenyan and his mother was from Kansas, but Obama did spend a portion of his early life in Indonesia where Hinduism is a very popular religion. Some are speculating that is when he may have acquired this particular idol, but nobody really knows.
Hanuman is one of the more important of the Hindu gods. There are many temples devoted to the worship of Hanuman, especially in India.
According to Hinduism, Hanuman represents pure devotion, complete surrender and the absence of ego or the lower self. They believe that once one completely surrenders to the inner self and the mind becomes devoted completely, the mind can obtain miraculous powers and perform amazing feats like that of Hanuman. Hindus also believe that all the planets in the solar system are under the control of Hanuman's large tail. In addition, it is thought by Hindus that whoever worships Hanuman is granted tremendous fortitude and strength.
But wait, isn't Barack Obama supposed to be a Christian?
Apparently Obama must not be familiar with the 2nd of the Ten Commandments:
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image"
-Exodus 20:4
What in the world is a "Christian" presidential candidate doing running around using a Hindu god for "good luck"?
It is time for someone to begin asking Senator Obama the hard questions.
The command to not make a graven image does not apply. The good senator is not worshipping it, simply carrying it in his pocket along with a Madonna and child.
Really, when did American Politics fall to this level of inanity?
velmsta99 says
everyone's weird in their own special way. obama is no exception. i dont think it really means anything. his religion should have nothing to do with the presidency.
Shan-ul-Hai says
Indonesia is less than 3% Hindu; that number is even lower in Jakarta, which is where Obama lived. That's like saying he got a lot of Muslim influence in the US (since the US is about 2-3% Muslim).
Seminarian Matthew says
Kiwimac, Hindu gods are false gods. Having an idol is mortally sinful. Making the idol is mortally sinful. Praying to the idol is mortally sinful.
And, Obama isn't really Christian at all. Look at his voting records. He is one of the most pro-abortion Senators in Congress.
Shaun says
kiwimac,
you're arguing semantics. Seminarian Matthew has stated the correct Christian perspective to hold on this matter. I'm personally tired of behavior like this being justified on a daily basis. People have forgotten that knowledge begins with fear of the Lord. Perhaps Obama should spend more time praying and actually reading his Bible instead of relying on trinkets for "luck."
c-quel says
The article is right. What on earth is he playing at. He is Christian and should follow the teachings of Christianity, not a hybrid of religions that totally contradict each other. Either that or you dont call yourself christian. Anyway small metalic or clay "gods" have no power, all power and might belong to the One supreme being.
Amit says
Hanuman is a great devotee of the Supreme Lord who represents total love of God. Notice, he is not the Supreme Lord, but his great SERVANT. If you are Christian, have an open mind.
I am a Hindu and think this is awesome.
idealno1 says
Best of luck to Obama
idealno1 says
Really Great, This is awesome
all the best
Nayana says
America has freedom of Religion, who cares what of what religion he is, the most important thing that he is a good human being. Best of luck to our new president elect. Keep all your good luck charms.
hema says
We all believe in God call him by any name Hanuman, Jesus , Allah or any other name. None of us has seen God. So what is God? God doesnot come down and speak to you. When a person helps you in distress, we consider him as Gods messenger. When things happen, which are beyond our reasoning ability, we says it is Gods wish. God is a supernatural power above all of us on whom we look for strength and courage. So does it really matter which Idol a person carries or which religion a person follows. With science and technology advancing so such and extent we still are arguing on religion. Lets us all have the freedom to worship trust and understand every religion. I am sure THE GODS are not figthing above to see who is superior. GOD IS JUST ONE CALL HIM BY ANY NAME.