The word Homosapiens literally translates from Latin as ‘wise man’ or ‘intelligent human’. And indeed, we are the ‘wisest’ and ‘smartest’ beings on this planet. We are superior to other beings in so many different ways. However, we humans have one special quality that no animal is gifted with and it is the ability to look like a friend when we are not. We humans are so unfortunate that we forget that this disguise is the deepest cause of all the human sufferings since ages. Let’s look around us and observe the nature carefully and without any pre-conceived ideas. For instance, the tiger hunts only when it wants food or when it feels threatened. Similarly, all wild animals kill to survive. None of these wild creatures ever killed each other just for power and supremacy.

 

This is something only we humans are good at. And often in this race of power, we intentionally and unintentionally hurt or betray our loved ones. And most of the time, we fail to understand that this betrayal is not our win, it’s actually an irreversible decay of our souls. Unfortunately, only we humans indulge in this self-destruction. While trying to establish our supremacy we often forget that a stranger's blow hurts only the body, but a loved one's betrayal crushes the soul. The wild is not capable of this betrayal. A jackal is aware that the tiger is its enemy, and this awareness keeps it safe and alert. Our current civilisation has witnessed two World Wars and nuclear bombs. Our species has not learnt any lesson from these destructions and we are using the technology for our own destruction. The weapons have changed from swords to missiles. But our evil intentions are still the same.

 

A lot has been written and said about the repercussions of greed and betrayal. Still despite the wisdom, why do we keep choosing self-destruction? Perhaps because each generation thinks its situation is unprecedented. We often victimise ourselves and assume that God is on our side. We as humans tend to judge others quickly and irrationally. And in the process of judging others, we often use the most easily available, and yet the most poisonous weapon - Our Tongue. The biggest betrayal is gossip and destroying the reputations. Speaking ill of someone is the biggest betrayal and it is definitely a kind of cannibalism of the spirit. We are in the midst of festivities, and this Diwali as we light diyas let this light penetrate into our souls. Let’s not become the mind and soul that destroys others, in fact be the light that overpowers all the evil. This Diwali lets us break the barriers of our caste and creed and come together and kill deceit with honesty. We live comfortable lives with our loved ones. Even if we don’t, there’s always a ray of hope for better future. But somewhere in the middle of all this assured life, most often we forget to express gratitude towards the One who made this happen. Every bit of our existence should be utilised to recognise the gifts of our Real Master. Just look up, the canopy of the sky does not need any pillar to support.

 

The stars decorate the whole sky giving it a soft silver glow. Every morning is blessed the warmth of the Sun. The Stars, the Sun, the moon needs no daily reminders. But the question is, who is the beneficiary of these gifts? We are. Since the beginning, man has been the master of the Earth. Animals, plants, rivers and everything is at our disposal. This is definitely not just a coincidence? There is much more than what appears on the surface. All the blessings must evoke questions like, why am I here. what was I created for? Only these questions can lead us to a right path. We are so busy in maintaining money in our bank accounts that we have starved our spiritual accounts. Today, as the day winds up, just spare a few minutes to observe the blessings around us and then recall the times when you whole-heartedly thanked the Creator. I am afraid, most of us will realise how thankless we are. n