Raksha Bandhan
The true significance of
Raksha Bandhan
The Festival of Rakhi has a special place in the
hearts of all sisters and brothers, because on
this day, they reinstate the commitment to their
pure relationship. But does it hold the same
richness that it began with? Do we know why it
started or has it become ‘just one of those things
we Indians do’? We know the literal meaning of
Rakshabandhan – the bondage of protection and
as per tradition, sisters apply ‘tilak’ on the
forehead of their brothers, tie a colourfully
decorated “rakhi’ or thread on their brother’s
wrist, and offer sweets as a token of their love.
In return, the brother vows to protect his sister
under all circumstances and of course, gives his
sister ‘kharchi’ or a gift. But do we stop to
wonder what happens if the brother is younger
than the sister or if both of them live miles apart,
or what if a girl does not have any brothers? Do
only females need protection? Are their brothers
immune to sorrow and problems? This is not an
attempt to make a mockery of our auspicious
festival, but is it celebrated with the correct
attitude? Today, it seems to be more
commercialised – what with all the different
sizes and designs of Rakhis and the greeting
cards that we find in the stores. All of our Indian
festivals have a reason behind them; all we need
to do is use our intellect to appreciate our rich
culture.
Raksha bandhan has a much deeper spiritual
explanation. It is a reminder that as souls, we
are children of the One Supreme Soul, our
Spiritual Father. Its true significance lies in
portraying the viceless and pure love between
brother and sister. The ‘tilak’ is a symbol of
awakening one’s awareness of “Soul-
conciousness” – i.e. realization of being a Soul,
or divine light energy, and NOT the physical
body. It is also a sign of being victorious. Victory
here signifies overpowering man’s greatest
enemy - the VICES of anger, sex-lust, greed,
attachment , ego…… Tying a “rakhi” is a symbol
of a bond of chastity or purity in thought, word
and deed. We face difficulties when we come
under the influence of the vices and commit
wrong actions. No action goes fruitless – good
or bad, we will face the consequences. So, when
we make a pledge to God - that we will not allow
our thoughts, words or our deeds to be ruled by
the vices - God bestows on us Divine wisdom,
becomes our true protector and liberator, and
showers us with unlimited peace and happiness!
Under His canopy of protection, we can be truly
safe.
Sweetening of the mouth is symbolic of the
victory we will feel when we overcome the vices.
God does not ask us for money or elaborate gifts
– all He asks is that we give up the vices that
are deeply hidden in the ‘pockets of the souls.’
We have to earn our happiness and security –
we do not need to be dependant on anyone.
At the present time, fear is one the biggest
diseases spreading in our world. By staying in
soul-consciousness and re-affirming our vow to
God, the Almighty, we can bring about a world of
purity, peace and prosperity! This is how to truly
celebrate Rakshabandhan.
Brahmakumaris.......
