Daily writing prompt

Are you superstitious?

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To even ponder such a question might seem like heresy to any Indian ;) One might wonder, in this era of science and technology, what relevance superstitions could possibly hold. Yet, I firmly believe our ancestors possessed wisdom far beyond our own. If they adhered to certain superstitious beliefs, I’m inclined to find merit in them. It’s crucial, however, to distinguish between genuine superstition and sheer folly. So, yes, I find myself embracing superstition when it suits me and if it makes sense.

These age-old beliefs are chronicled in the Sanskrit and Tamil literary traditions. For instance, in the Sanskrit drama “abhijñānaśākuntalam” by the great poet Kalidasa, King Dushyanta experiences a throbbing in his shoulder upon entering an ashram, interpreting them as auspicious signs. Yet, he wonders, what good fortune could possibly befall a king in such a serene place? Reassuring himself, he muses that destiny may unveil its blessings anywhere – ‘शान्तमिदमाश्रमपदं स्फुरति च बाहुः कुतः फलमिहास्य।अथवा भवितव्यानां द्वाराणि भवन्ति सर्वत्र’ (śāntamidamāśramapadaṃ sphurati ca bāhuḥ kutaḥ phalamihāsya।athavā bhavitavyānāṃ dvārāṇi bhavanti sarvatra). And indeed, he encounters a beautiful woman whom he eventually marries. So, evaluate what works for you, embrace the superstitions that resonate, and proceed accordingly.