 Belief in occult?
by Amal Hewavissenti
Sometimes our tradition silently
dictates that we should get off on the right foot when we are just going
out for some purpose. Most of us tend to be extremely superstitious and
believe that what is considered on ‘ill starred sighting’ at the outset
of our personal journey will bring bad luck. For instance, we are
strongly inclined to determine the level of possible success or failure
of what we are going to do or the trip we are going to make simply on
viewing some symbolic persons or things at the beginning.
Do you look out for dark and even sinister possibilities that lie in
your life just when you hear a howling of a dog or a cry of the “evil
bird” (Ulama)? Have you ever reversed a ‘good decision’ or postponed an
important trip simply because you have seen what is thought to be a bad
omen or a symbol of bad luck under your feet? Have you ever wrecked an
important project that needs careful planning just on seeing a symbol of
bad luck?
A person who catches sight of a “good omen” just when he is about to
move outdoors, may consider himself the luckiest traveller on the face
of the earth.
Generally, a lady with a pot full of water, a young pregnant lady are
high atop the list of good omens a person is likely to encounter on his
way. Most often, a lady with an empty vessel facing you on the way, a
gecko’s unintentional call, or a happy chirping of a magpie may freeze
you with fright and make you instantly put off the trip.
Can anybody follow the logic of these (groundless) arguments or
traditional beliefs? Definitely not. This is nothing more than popular
belief in the occult. People are overjoyed at encountering good omens
and, at the same time, are shocked to have seen what is believed to be a
bad omen.
 Yet, there is a favourable aspect of what we are used to think of as
a ‘good omen’ popping up before us. Someone who really believes in the
magical power of a ‘good omen’ starts his journey or a project with a
positive mind and is therefore confident that the particular good omen
will be a fine prelude to the successful completion of it. The pure
scientific ground behind this statement is that any personal project or
plan is sure to reach success if it is worked out with interest,
enthusiasm, and a clear mind. In the same way somebody may see what he
thinks is a good omen and he may be naturally charged with good spirits
with a high degree of confidence that may make the aim of the journey or
the work fruitful.
It is cardinally important to remember that everything in our lives
takes shape according to the pattern of thoughts that we produce in our
minds. If we are to practise thinking confidently, the offshoot will
surely be favourable and the mind filled with unfavourable thoughts will
steer us on the wrong track. Thoughts, to all intents and purposes, are
central to our actions and their success.
Next time you come upon a lady with an empty vessel just in front of
you, simply rest assured that you have seen the best omen that is a good
start for your journey. Why? She is there with the better hope to bring
home water one of the most precious things in the world, and she is
heading for a place where that precious thing abounds! If you are able
to convince yourself that it is an agreeable sight and be in good
spirits, your journey too will turn out to be successful.
 Some people even get scared to see a monk’s image before they leave
home. It is traditionally accepted by some, that mad people, beggars
with shabby clothes are unmistakable bad omens that may bode ill for
one’s life. Practically all this is nonsense. When you see a monk with a
shaven head, simply be happy that you have been lucky enough to have
seen a symbol of religion and peace of mind and to have taken such an
‘auspicious start’ for what you are going to do.
Having to battle with a tight schedule of work in the present world,
can anyone find time to select between good omens and bad omens whenever
one goes outdoors? Time has come for us to think correctly and raise the
question, “Why must we believe these”? We have set foot on an era where
modern science has reached its climax. Every happening in life springs
from the level we can stimulate optimistic thinking. Do not unduly
weaken your mind at good or bad omens that you see but strengthen it
instead.
Finally, look optimistically at everything you happen to see and your
determination, courage and necessity are the real “good omens”! |
