For the Love of Maa Sharada- 11 by Suguna

Be it old times or the new era, we have seen that the world delights in witch-hunting wherein, often some fanatics hold someone responsible as the sole reason of all their problems and jealousy. Out of such negative emotions erupt a series of maligning efforts like character-assassination, bullying, trash-talk, pseudo-propaganda and deliberate harassment which can extend to emotional, mental and even physical abuse. In old times, when a woman went outside the traditional and patriarchal norm, she would be burnt at stake on the streets and the crowd would dance on a ridiculous “witch” burning! Well, thanks to the constitution, such practices are now illegal and punishable under the law but sadly, if people are let loose, even today they will be ready to pluck out the eyeballs of someone they hate or are envious of.

Take for example, the history of various rulers. They were in official authority of administrative powers and would not shy away from killing their own brothers or someone whom they were jealous of, all for their own ego-satisfaction. When ego overrides common sense, instead of looking for the truth, blunt conclusions are made against someone and that becomes the beginning of injustice. Jesus Christ would be an appropriate example in this case where Pontius Pilate, a Roman prefect (governor) ordered for his cumbersome crucifixion upon the charge of blasphemy because Jesus Christ declared that he came from the heaven and that he was the son of God. Quite an intolerant society it was! Is it still so? You may answer that by your own discretion. Strangely, people pray to the Divine for shanti (peace) and go on to take the most aggressive route out there.

Midst all the chaos of the world, various saints and seers of this land, our bharatvarsha have showered impeccable knowledge and wisdom to us which when applied in our lives brings a massive positive change in us. I will pen down a few words of Sharada Devi, who was also lovingly known as Sri Maa.

1. Whenever people discuss good or evil, all those who are present have to take a little share of good or evil. Suppose someone tells you about his good or evil deeds. Every time you think of that person, you must perforce remember his good and evil deeds. In this manner his good and evil deeds both leave an impression on you.

2. Can anyone be called a man unless he has kindness? He is an animal!

3. Remember one thing. If you want peace of mind then give up fault finding. If you would search for fault at all, find out your own faults and shortcomings.

4. Everything is in the mind; nothing bears fruit unless the mind is pure.

5. One who has a pure mind considers everyone pure.