Acid Attacks : ‘Let us go back to the source’ says Meghna Raghoobar

I have been studying the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and Bhagavat Gita (which are indian philosophical texts) in my yogic journey. In these texts, one could clearly depict how the dissociation with our spiritual growth is leading to societal atrocities — one of them being ‘Acid Attack’ per see. Having done my Bachlor degree in Sociology and behavioural change theories, the only link I could make right now for any social-ill happening is the disconnection that we, as humans, have with our own spiritual journey.

When I speak about spiritual journey here, it has nothing to do with doing meditation for 4 hours a day or Surya Namshkar every morning. So much, I acknowledge the practice of Yoga as means towards grounding and growth, I do believe that it’s not enough. Yoga practices, is way beyond the asanas , meditation and breathing techniques. It lies in all our action and inaction beyond these techniques — and the moment we realise this, the shift that happens within us is phenomenal.

In my perspective, I do believe that, if we want to eliminate social evils such as Acid Attacks in countries like India, we need to go back to the source. By the source, I mean back to what our philosophical texts teach us about Yoga. Yes, on one end the regulation of the sale of acid is a must, and it should be sold ONLY in chemical laboratories at this stage until completely banned. However, I do not think that this will end the problem. People who are not sane in their mind will definitely find other ways to destroy the life of people they don’t like or want to take revenge with (even if acid is banned).

India has been a country of wisdom for more than 5000 years BC, and the dissociation Indians have with real wisdom is the real cause of social evils in this era. We have unfortunately reach a stage where, our ego has become so strong and rigid out of fear created by the Capitalist World. And, this fear we live with daily, contributes in the unconscious destruction of the life of people due to jealousy, anger and bitterness (at times it directly affects our own siblings, parents, friends and kids).

My way forward is simple :

• Having more outdoors and bonding sessions within our family, friends and community using Yoga and Nature activities.
• Making people experience the practice of Yoga and the inner peace yoga could bring in our low moments. (We all have those low moments!)
• Make people dig down within their inner-consciousness to make them aware that jealousy, anger, bitterness and revenge can only destroy them.
• Learning to shift our emotions (We all feel negative emotions in certain circumstances, but acting on them to destroy someone’s life is ‘karmically’ bad. We need to re-programme ourselves and shift!)

This world has reach a stage where we need more yoga teachers, healers, poets, musicians, story-tellers, bonding events in nature and artists to reach there, else we are doomed.

For now, I will invite you all to watch #chhapaak.