Hate and violence are such terrible words. I am so sad because there is so much abhorrence and brutality around us.

We had a terrorist car bomb blast in old Delhi outside the Red Fort. This area is in the most crowded part of Delhi and opposite it the market is called Chandini Chowk. Chandini means Moonlight and chowk means Square. The name Chandini Chowk was given because a canal ran through it in the 17th Century.

There was a reflecting pool in the center, and it was illuminated by the moonlight. It is a very beautiful part of Delhi and everyone who visits Delhi comes here to look and buy. There are individual streets which sell the pearls, perfumes, sweets, clothes for the Gods, sweets, snacks, silks and satins. In the market and all manner of things are sold in its narrow winding streets.

Everything is available here from decorations for Diwali, Eid and Christmas, and wholesale items. The food here is delicious and one can spend the day here, goggling all the things. The only way to travel here is by rickshaws or your own two feet. It is also Purani Dilli and there is a Charitable Bird Hospital where all wounded birds are tended to. Apparently, it also got damaged by the car bomb. This area was closed for five days, and the main road had the look of a war ridden area. The Red Fort is shut on Monday so there were no tourists or visitors to the Fort.

Where does such hatred originate from?

I really want to know why such cruelty and brutality exists. Innocent people were hurt. And eight persons died. It is happening everywhere in the world. Where does such hatred originate from? Suicide bombers are going to schools and other places. There is no answer.

Gita says that hate is a product of material attachment and it is an illusion that keeps one from realizing one’s spiritual nature. Hate is a source of suffering, and it can be compared to holding a burning coal, which harms oneself more than the receiver. Hatefulness is a self-inflicted wound.

Swami Sivananda said that hatred is a devilish quality that acts like a poison to the mind and body, it is rooted in egoism and obstructs spiritual progress. The only way one can overcome hatred is by having a multipronged spiritual sadhana. I will sum it up as love, serve and give.

Swami Vivekananda described violence as destroying civilization and fuels conflict through sectarianism and fanaticism. He said that the world was a grand spiritual gymnasium for spiritual strength. The goal is to realize one’s inner divinity, which is the key to overcoming violence.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture of Red Fort in Old Delhi by PerSona77 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link