Curative curses

Cursing somebody or something has become akin to breathing these days. People are forever expressing their displeasure using foul language propelled by destructive and deteriorating thoughts.

Then there is another category of people who swear rather out of context, more out of habit or to display a cool attitude rather than as a reaction.

Outbursts of disgust, depression, despair or anger is not new to mankind. So also, the need to keep our tempers in control is a well-known universal truth. Religion, medical science and psychology have time and again emphasised on the need to maintain mental equilibrium for remaining healthy.

Our epics and mythologies house a repertoire of stories which involve a lot of curses. Usually, spiritually potent sages are found cursing kings and lesser mortals when they are found shortchanged in established values and courtesies. People from all walks of life were aware of the spiritual strengths of these wise men. The words uttered by these men were powered by the strength of their truth, righteousness and disciplined life.

Hence these rishis were revered and feared by one and all. People took care not to ruffle the tranquility of these great men.

The rishis were also aware of their innate power to alter the course of events in the life of an individual while cursing them. They also knew that a sizeable amount of the merits derived from their severe penance would be expended when they exercised their powers. 

Therefore, they always exercised utmost caution restraint when mouthing the negatively powered dictums. The words uttered by the sages always came true.There were times when the wrongdoer would immediately realise his or her fault and seek pardon from the affronted sage.

At such times, the offended party would realise the gravity of the situation. Yet, his commitment to truth would deter him from going back on his words. All the same, he would exhibit the generosity of his spirit by altering the curse or by prescribing a suitable panacea to overcome the crisis.

The curse would invariably materialise on the sheer strength of the integrity of the person who spelt it out. The person who cursed would take on further austerities to replenish his spiritual strength. The cursed would emerge stronger and chastened as the curse would prove to be a curative of sorts to their psyche.

The basic principle of using our energy for constructive or destructive purposes is pretty much the same as the sages of the yore, though we may not match their moral caliber. This knowledge should make us evaluate our emotions and measure our words before spewing them thoughtlessly.