Brahma Kumaris on the Significance of Raksha Bandhan

True significance of Raksha Bandhan

The festival of Raksha Bandhan speaks of this sacred, loving relationship that nurtures, protects and uplifts.

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 times. 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 modernised 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 setting out for war to regain the lost sovereignty, lord Indra’s (king of the devtas) wife applies the tilak of victory on his forehead and ties a Rakhi on his wrist. In due course of time, the deities gain victory and return to heaven. How is this fable applicable to us?

Is Raksha Bandhan, 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? How does taking of sacred vows help 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? The legends of Raksha Bandhan take us deep into the spiritual meaning, thereby allowing us to appreciate its immense value. Wouldn’t God, our beloved supreme parent, true teacher and satguru, be a more effective and loyal protector than a human being? The Rakhi is undoubtedly the only bondage that frees us from all other bondages, insecurities, fear and sorrow. And it is God alone who can protect us from all dangers and thus justify the true significance of Rakhi that is taking a vow.

Having forgotten our true identity of being an infinitesimal point of divine energy—soul, atma, rooh, 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. It is then left to God to come at the fag-end of the iron age (Kaliyuga), to awaken and enlighten the inner being, and teach us how to regain our lost sovereignty. It is only after the tilak of ‘soul-consciousness’ is next issue applied, and I ‘tie’ the sacred thread, that is take the pledge to stay in my original nature of peace, love, purity, wisdom and power, that my every thought, word and action become elevated and divine.

I see every other being as a child of God and part of my spiritual family. This unlimited vision breaks all barriers of caste, creed, age, gender, religion, socio-economic status and 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. These, then, work as my protection and stay with me forever. “Pavitrata, such aur shanti ki jananee hai (purity is the mother of peace and happiness),” so let us bind ourselves in this spiritual bandhan. One small promise of love and purity on our side will bind God, almighty authority for eternity. Isn’t it time to see God work the magic of true love?

X

Your wellbeing is a few clicks away.

Subscribe to your weekly dose of positivity, wellness, and motivation and get a free printable
Soulveda Gratitude journal