" The Mask" by Meghna Choudhury (H.G. Mathura Vasi Devi Dasi)

According to our timeless Vedic paradigm, the classical model of an ideal family is where a father in the household should be the paragon, the protector, the breadwinner and the pillar of strength for his family. This virtuous institution is still being maintained in society all over the world, wherein a father represents an epitome of righteous behaviour. However, my perception of this delicate relation came crashing down, when I got acquainted with a heart-wrenching crisis of a young girl who narrated how her father, whom the family loved unconditionally turned out to be a traitor for the family, who broke their trust with lies and deceit all throughout his life, who broke the sacred marriage vows made to his chaste, loving and dutiful wife - a vow to always protect her, to never compromise her fundamental right to dignity and self respect. My heart tore to pieces and my mind began churning with questions - Why do people behave the way they do? Why do they cheat, betray and hurt their loved ones?

According to the Padma Purana, there are 84 lakh species of life forms and the conditioned soul is continuously passing through the different species according to his karma, under divine supervision.

The Bhagavad Gita As It Is (2.22) says that just as one gives up an old shirt to put on a new one, the soul gives up an old body to acquire a new kind of body at the time of death.

We have travelled through millions of lifetimes and lived with many different souls amidst family, friends or those who don't really get along with us. Some may have even tried to harm us emotionally, physically or spiritually.

All said and done, we all are the same and belong to only one group that is 'Souls' We all have travelled together in different lifetimes and have shared various relationships with each other; father-mother, husband-wife, uncle-aunt, brother-sister, friends, neighbours, servants, drivers and even so-called enemies. Each person is a 'Soul' that tries to help the other move forward spiritually and reduce our Karmic baggage. Sometimes the Soul that loves us the most, might willingly take birth as an enemy or a tormentor in a lifetime, just to help us work out our karma. Thus, a person who we think hates us and we in return hate might be our greatest well-wisher spiritually. He or She may be responsible for our becoming spiritual or compassionate. That very person who is creating hell in our lives may bring us closer to God and spirituality. In the present lifetime, he/she may be doing so because that could be the only way to teach us a lesson. Sometimes, a Soul is reborn just to comfort us and be there in times of need.

So, who is our friend and who is our enemy? They all are part of the Soul-Family who want to help us and want help in return. Sometimes an opportunity comes in the form of a disaster. Sometimes, the only way God can find place in our hearts and lives is through pain, sorrow and turmoil. That is when life seems strange. Therefore, we must never form judgements, abuse or hate anyone. Who knows we may be harming the Soul who loves us the most spiritually but are not able to recognize it as the soul is wearing a different mask in this particular lifetime.

Article by:

Meghna Choudhury

(H.G. Mathura Vasi Devi Dasi)

***** Content Copyright: Meghna Choudhury (H.G. Mathura Vasi Devi Dasi) *****