Battles have been an integral part of human history. Bulky mythological and historical texts are reflective of it. Massive, brutal wars have been fought to bring down the demons, the invaders, the evil and the devil to restore peace, and for conquests. Whether it was Mahabharata, the Greek wars or the wars of independence, the documented scriptures and texts speak of fights, fight as the path to attain the desired.
The word ‘War’ immediately evokes an image of bloodshed and dead bodies in the conscious mind, but that’s not exactly the truth about all wars. With the evolution of mankind, new types of war methods have emerged. For example, Mahatma Gandhi’s path of Ahimsa, introduced the world to the non-violent means to win back the conquered territory. He used self-imposed austerity, boycott and guilt as his weapons, and he was acclaimed worldwide for it. Nuclear wars, Cold Wars etc. are yet again different forms with different methods and strategies. Although the warfare techniques are ever-evolving, one thing remains unchanged. There is always a relative good and bad involved in wars. And at the end of the battle, there emerges a hero and a villain, followed by journals being filled with analysis and epics written on the newly born superhero or even God. Numerous festivals are announced to celebrate the victory of the good over the evil, and they eventually become traditions to keep us reminded of the heroism, the heroic acts. Dusshera and Navratri are examples, where the victory of good over evil marks the festivity.
Having spoken of the battles that were fought on fields with huge armies, superpowers and lethal weapons, what about the wars that an individual fights within? We all undergo some form of war inside us, at least once in our lifetime. A war between Me versus Me. The conflict of thoughts, the struggle to decide, the dilemma of choices. Aren’t they also a form of war? There isn’t so much noise created, and not any soldiers to join. But yes, they are also fights, short, and sometimes maybe prolonged over a period of time. So what are the weapons used when one is fighting an internal war? Will power? Yes! One resorts to this while fighting against the behavioral demons. To overcome laziness, to give up substance abuse, food habit, break a thought pattern etc. One’s latent will power is evoked for the victory. Knowledge also serves a potent weapon while facing the dilemma over choices or confusion. Research and study followed by expert advice or a mentor to guide wades away the ignorance to allow the light of enlightenment to seep in and to see the victory of clarity against chaos. After facing the tribulations of internal war, where habits, thoughts and options are killed, emerges a newer self, a godly super-self, flurrying the flag of victory. Each dawn then becomes a festival to rejoice.
This Dusshera and Navratri, let’s share sweets and radiant smile to celebrate the victory over vice.