A Festival of Religious Harmony & Social Cohesion
Its time each brother extends his vow to protect and to have pure feelings towards all women just like he does for his own sisters.
Do we ever stop to marvel at the magic of love? They say, love is as delicate as a flower that a single touch can bruise it and yet so strong as to withstand all storms – purity makes love bloom and strengthens it for all time. Love born out of Purity, begets faith and security; this is undoubtedly the strongest energy force we can possess today. Real Love knows no limitations nor nurtures any prejudice. Love is the epitome of freedom and power but only when grounded in Purity and Spiritual principles. The Festival of Raksha Bandhan (Bond of Protection) speaks of this Sacred, Loving relationship that nurtures, protects and uplifts.
Although the present era has modernized the festival greatly, its simple and significant meaning exists incognito. A number of legends are connected with tying of the ‘Rakhi‘ – symbolising the bond of love and protection – but the most intriguing one is where the devtas (deities) are said to have lost their heavenly kingdom to the asuras (devils). Before he sets out for war to regain the lost sovereignty, Lord Indra’s (King of the Devtas) wife applies tilak of victory on his forehead and ties him a rakhi. In due time, the deities gain victory and return to heaven.
How is this fable applicable to us? Is Rakshabandhan a festival that needs to be celebrated only once a year? Are only sisters or females in need of protection? Does fear arise from only external sources? Taking sacred vows to serve and protect a person from all evil and sorrow…. what kind of protection do we really require? Is protection possible if a brother is younger in age, disabled, or living far away? How does purity play a role in this? Can purity protect us? The legends of Rakshabandhan take us deep into the spiritual meaning, thus allowing us to appreciate its immense value.
In reality, a ‘Rakhi’ or sacred thread tied around the right wrist signify the promise of Purity in thought, word and deed. The sacred mark “Tilak” applied to the centre of forehead, the seat of third-eye (Soul) is sign of soul consciousness and sweetening the mouth is symptomatic congratulation in advance for having virtuous nature when purity is part of life.
“Raksha Bandhan” is about the boundaries and code of conduct that promotes internal transformation & progressive inculcation of soul-consciousness and positive qualities. Eventually there is complete perfection symbolised by the full moon.
In this transition period of world cycle, in exchange of our promise to bring purity and honesty into all aspects of our life, God- the Supreme Protector (Rakshak) promises to protect us – souls from evils.
Wouldn’t God – our Beloved Supreme Parent, True Teacher, Sat Guru – be a more effective and loyal Protector than a human being? The Rakhi is undoubtedly the only bondage that truly frees us from all other bondages – all insecurities, fear, sorrow… And it is God alone who can share the wisdom behind tying the sacred Rakhi , i.e. taking a vow…
Having forgotten our true identity of being an infinitesimal point of divine energy – Soul, Atma, Ruha, Spirit – we got entangled in the bondage of ‘BODY-CONSCIOUSNESS‘ and the web of the vices (lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego). These enemies overpowered us and influenced us to perform negative actions, which in turn caused sorrow. God comes at the fag end of Kaliyuga, to awaken and enlighten the inner being, and He teaches us how to regain our lost sovereignty.
When the tilak of ‘SOUL-CONSCIOUSNESS’ is applied, and I ‘tie’ the sacred thread, i.e. take the pledge to stay in my original nature of peace, love, purity, wisdom, mercy… my every thought, word and action becomes elevated and divine. I see every other being as a child of God and part of my spiritual family. This unlimited vision of brotherhood breaks all barriers of caste, creed, age, gender, religion, socio-economic status, sanskars (personality traits)…. I then can live by my ‘TRUE SELF-RESPECT’ and help others to do the same.
The more I purify my consciousness, the stronger is my connection with God. God is then bound to look after me; and my positive actions ensure that I receive His blessings and good wishes from all souls… my global family… and these then works as my protection and stay with me forever.
‘Pavitrata, Sukh-Shanti ki jananee hai‘ (Purity is the Mother of Peace and Happiness) and so, let us bind ourselves in this Spiritual Bandhan. One small promise of love and purity on our side will bind God, The Almighty Authority, for eternity…
Isn’t it time to see God’s work- the magic of True Love…?
(All branches of the BRAHMA KUMARIS organization world-wide, conduct a number of events worldwide, to celebrate this Sacred Festival and tie Rakhi to lacs of souls. Please make the time to get your RAKHI tied again this year as a special blessing from God.)
