Whenever I see a well-established person wearing a gemstone ring, I often wonder about the reason. Despite having everything – good health, wealth, education, a solid reputation, financial stability, and a happy life – they’re still not satisfied and want more out of life. Perhaps, despite their accomplishments, they lack confidence or aren’t content with what they have. Living examples include Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Tharoor. Maybe, as role models in society, they’re trying to promote unscientific theories or perhaps they’re influenced by the placebo effect.
DISCLAIMER:
The following discussion is deeply personal and dealing with life’s unexpected twists and turns can be challenging. Let’s explore how people handle uncertain and unpredictable situations. It recognizes that individuals may employ various coping mechanisms, some ethical and others not, or find comfort in placebo effects. This narrative aims to share a subjective experience without disputing any particular viewpoint. Like the parable of the blind men and the elephant, where each person’s understanding is shaped by their unique perspective, the broader reality often remains multifaceted.
The Blind Men and the Elephant: This ancient parable illustrates the limitations of perception and the subjective nature of truth. Each blind man touches a different part of the elephant and forms a distinct conclusion about the creature. Similarly, individual experiences and perspectives influence our understanding of complex issues.
Subjective Experience: Personal narratives offer valuable insights, but they may not encompass the entire picture. Embracing diverse perspectives can lead to a more nuanced comprehension of complex topics.
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
“Growing up in an Army cantonment, I was shielded from many societal influences, and my upbringing emphasized a broader perspective over personal or limited views. This background had a negligible impact on my worldview. My education in cosmopolitan schools and colleges further minimized exposure to orthodox thinking. Similarly, my work experience in the chemical industry was grounded in scientific approaches, which didn’t sway my rational outlook. However, a key incident from my childhood significantly influenced my beliefs. When my elder brother went missing, despite the police’s efforts, my parents turned to various spiritual practices and astrologers for guidance. Though these attempts yielded no results, the desperation and uncertainty of that situation left a lasting impression.
As I faced the challenges of raising two daughters in Indian society, I encountered a different set of pressures. The societal expectations, security concerns, and dowry system associated with having girl children weighed heavily on me. My primary desire was for my daughters to excel academically and secure admission to good institutions, ensuring a stable future. In an attempt to mitigate these challenges, I consulted an astrologer who recommended gemstones based on my daughters’ birth charts. I invested around ₹50,000 in (year 2000) gemstones like Pukhraj ( Yellow Sapphire) Moti ( Pearl ) Moonga ( Red Coral)and Manik ( Ruby, )hoping they would positively impact their futures.
Both my daughters excelled academically, and the elder one got into a government medical college, while the younger one qualified for the All India Engineering Entrance Examination with a high ranking. Initially, I attributed their success to the gemstones. However, this narrative was soon debunked when my daughters returned home from their respective institutions. My elder daughter, studying medicine, was questioned about the gemstone ring by her friends, and she politely attributed its significance to my beliefs. The conversation ended with her friends playfully suggesting that the gemstone ring would be left with the cadavers. Eventually, she returned the gemstones to me. Similarly, my younger daughter, after facing inquiries about the gemstone ring from her friends, returned hers as well, unable to justify its significance. The supposed ‘gemstone theory’ of achieving success lost credibility, and both gemstone sets found their way back to me.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the power of hard work and merit versus the reliance on external factors like astrology. It’s a story of how my perceptions changed over time, shaped by the realities of life and the skepticism of the younger generation. My daughters are both happily married to well-settled spouses who don’t believe in the gemstone philosophy.
How does science recognize gemstone as having an impact on human life?
Scientifically, gemstones are primarily recognized as minerals with distinct chemical compositions, crystal structures, and optical properties. Their impact on human life is often explained through psychology and physics rather than mystical forces. Gemstones can influence mood through color psychology—for instance, blue stones may evoke calmness, while red stones may energize. Their aesthetic appeal can boost confidence and self-expression. Some gemstones, like quartz, exhibit piezoelectric or pyroelectric properties, used in watches and electronics, but these effects are technological, not directly biological. While no conclusive scientific evidence supports the idea that gemstones alter health or destiny, wearing them may produce a placebo effect, enhancing mental well-being. Cultural beliefs, tradition, and personal symbolism also play significant roles in how people perceive their benefits. Thus, science acknowledges gemstones’ tangible physical properties and their indirect psychological impact, but not mystical healing powers.
