Superstitions

The other day I received a beautiful portrait of a Goddess on G mail. I forwarded it to several friends because it was beautiful and grand. Not because of the admonition accompanying it that I “should forward to so many people and I will benefit by it and if not beware…”

I received a proper dressing down (well deserved) from a loved one for this act which makes me sit up and ponder.

Cutting across religions, nationalities, races, continents, most of the people are superstitious, one way or the other. Traditions, customs, practices may vary; but the common thread is they are superstitious. Take for example number thirteen, this particular superstition has come from so called ‘last supper’ which we don’t know was a reality or a myth. We simply believe thirteen is an unlucky number which is given official recognition in RDSO Officers’ Colony at Lucknow. After Bungalow No 12, it is 12A and then 14! Likewise black cat cutting across your path. Walking under a ladder and so on.

Most of the superstitions may be harmless – only a nuisance. At another level, inconvenient. But there are some really horrific and end in criminal acts. Recently two kids were murdered near Srikakulam in AP to propiate Gods for material gain.

Now the borderline between faith, belief and superstition is very blurred. People tend to confuse one for the other. It may be due to ignorance or fear of unknown or the path of least resistance of playing safe,

Some people grow hair – some shave – all as a matter of faith. This is perfectly harmless example. But killing, for treasure or begetting children? Likewise suppression of scientific evidence (eclipses) and perpetuating myths corrupts impressionable minds. Superstition leads to other vague but unscientific subjects like black magic, astrology, gemmology, vaastu (distinct from architecture) .

Our Constitution exhorts a spirit of scientific temper and query.


…ponder