I read about a very interesting case in court. A minor girl had charged a major boy on charges of rape under POCSO Act. She filed a FIR at local police station. Immediately the boy was picked up by the police and taken in custody.

The boy pleaded not guilty and had enough evidences to prove his case. But such is our judicial system that the minor girl’s statement was more important than any evidence presented to the court.

What followed for five months was totally exhausting for both the families. They needed to be presented when dates were given in the court; both parties needed to submit their say; unending lawyer visits started; money was being spent; careers were being lost; and precious time was being wasted. The worst part was – inspite of doing all of this, there seemed to be no result or a decision

One fine day, the mediator got a call from girl’s side. They said that they were tired and wanted to wind up the case. Both the families met, and a resolution was found. Both parties decided to withdraw the case. They spoke to their respective lawyers, filed the application and court sanctioned the same.

As the case was closed, the mediator went to both families to ensure all was well. That time the girl’s family said something, which grabbed my attention.

The father said, “We believe in God; and completely trust God’s decision. We were not sure of what we were doing was right or wrong. So, we decided to ask The Almighty to guide us.”

After a short pause, he continued, “We put two chits – ‘Fight and Forgive’ over our religious book. The thought was that we will do what God guides us to do, irrespective of what we think is right or wrong.”

Looking eye to eye with the mediator, father said, “We picked up a chit and opened it. It said – FORGIVE! Without moving from our seats, we decided to wind up the case and take it no further.” He further said, “Do not thank us. You and the boy’s family should thank God. If not for his will, we would have fought on.”

Thinking about it – isn’t this what religion is supposed to be? It should guide us to take decisions and live our life in happiness and peace.

To me, true religion is that, which liberates and makes us peaceful. Religion will always spread message of – love, peace, harmony, helpfulness, happiness, and empathy. Irrespective of what religion you follow, it will never teach you to fight and make others life miserable.

In the world around, there are so many people misguiding us in the name of religion. They ask us to do things, which might cause harm/ hurt to fellow human beings. But these so-called role models, learned people, saints, etc have made religion into a business. They selectively pick statements, which have different meaning than what is actually written in the scriptures. Their agenda is to create rift instead of harmony.

Many foolish people fall prey to them. They end up doing things, which they would have otherwise never done. If we were not influenced by them, I am sure we wouldn’t have done stupid acts that would hurt or harm someone. And if we unknowingly had hurt someone, we would immediately beg for forgiveness.

As human beings we need to be aware of these people. The moment you hear someone talk about hurting others, tell yourself that you will never come back to this person. Tell enough people about the misdeed of such people. Such people do not deserve to be a part of our human race.

A sincere appeal to everyone reading this – never follow anyone blindly. Listen to what your religious leaders are saying. If they say anything in the name of religion, expecting you to hurt others, open your mind and shut their mouth. Use your intelligence and know what to follow and whom to stay away from.

Religion’s role is to create a unison between your physical body and your higher self. A religious leader’s role is to take you towards that state. If they are trying to do anything other than that, they are misleading you. Remember, religion only liberates, never enslaves!

Wishing you a MINDFUL FOLLOWING …..

#Spirituality #God #Religion #Forgive #Fight