GOOD AND BAD OMENS

Only idiots and fools worry about
these omens and days (sggs 843).
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Compare to modern societies, the ancient societies seem more superstitious. Nonetheless, as the Gurbani says, "the world wanders lost in doubt" . From ancient time, the educated are generally less subject to such beliefs. Fears related to bad omens and superstitions have a hold over the generally uneducated segment of any society. Although the rich and educated are anything but immune to many of the widespread omens and superstitions. Even among the educated, generally the spiritually inclined persons (those with spiritual knowledge or Aatam-Giaan etc.) are less likely to cleave to omens and superstitions as opposed to the people possessing material knowledge. Although many omens and superstitions are unique to local areas, but some appear to have a universal appeal.

What is superstition or omen? According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, superstition is 1 (a): a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation (b): an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition. 2: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary. Omen is: an occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend a future event.

The belief that objects, or living beings could possess special spiritual properties was widespread in primitive societies. That belief still exists in modern societies. Stones, trees, springs, caves, lakes, swamps, mountains, animals, bugs, days, moon, planets, eclipses, furniture, nature, and so on, are all deemed to be hosts to spirits. Some of these omens are strange, laughable, etc. In fact, many make living by forecasting omens and then providing remedies for them. Of course one has to pay them for their services!

In context of good and bad omens, and superstitions, the Gurbani helps us understand the followings: (1) who in the first place belive in these; (2) why they believe in these; and (3) remedy.

(1) Who Does Believe In Omens, etc.

The gurbani questions: "When He (God) kept Himself, All-in-all, unto His Own Heart, then who considered omens to be good or bad?" In other words, when all power, wisdom, scriptures, etc. were latent within God, then who was there to consider omens (to be good or bad) and superstitions? Therefore the Gurbani boldly declares that "Only idiots and fools worry about these omens and days".

(2) Why People Believe In Omens

Then why people believe in them? What is the symbolism behind our belief in omens and superstitions? When we have lust, anger, greed, attachment, self-conceit, jealousy, stubborn mindedness (and numerous variations of these evil propensities) — that is our omens and superstitions. In other words, when these evil passions dwell within us, we are omens ourselves. That is to say, when there are evil tendencies in our thoughts, words and deeds, we become omens for others. That's why the Gurbani repeatedly urge us to remove these negativities and defilements from our Haume-minds (Bikaars).

The Gurbani also reveals to us as to who most likely is to be effected by omens. Regardless of one's level of education or status in the society, the Gurbani states that "Good omens and bad omens affect those who do not keep the Lord in the mind".

(3) Remedy

Does the Gurbani provides us with remedy? Yes. The remedy it provides us is also free of charge! The Gurbani asks us to simply engage in Naam-Simran (meditation on the God's Name or Jap), and attain genuine understanding of spiritual practices. Because, as the Gurbani says, lack of both the genuine understanding and concern with omens and days lead only to duality (Doojaa Bhaav). Bhoot-Pret (demons and goblins), good and bad omens, etc. all are "attached to duality". The Gurbani asks us not to worry about things like bad omens, days, and foretold. Because, whether we laugh or cry, omens, days and predictions are going to pass. Therefore, in spiritual life, the Gurbani emphasizes that we should go beyond the instinctive mind wandering in delusion.

— T. Singh
www.gurbani.org


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Updated on Friday, August 29, 2008 11:47 PM (PST)

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