It’s All about Fulfilling Promises

It’s said, three things a person should never try to break- someone’s faith, someone’s heart and a promise. And when it comes to an occasion which is totally based on fulfilling promises, it is Raksha Bandhan. Fulfilling a promise is the founding principle of this beautiful festival.

On this day, brothers promise their sisters that they will be caring, devotees sit at the Holy feet of God and promise themselves with the prayer that ‘may my trust in you never wane’ and disciples seek a promise from their Guru that He will always keep His grace upon them. Also, Brahmins change their sacred thread on this very day and promise that they will dedicate themselves once again towards spiritual learning. So, Raksha Bandhan is a day to demonstrate integrity and reliability.

The Power of a Promise

An interesting story goes like this.

Roxana was the wife of Alexander the Great, the invincible Greek conqueror.

In 326 BC, he invaded India and tried to take over the kingdom of Porus but the brave king battled Alexander with great might.

Seeing this, Roxana got nervous and she hurriedly approached Porus with a piece of cloth as Rakhi.

She knew the importance of Raksha Bandhan and so tied a Rakhi on the King’s wrist seeking a promise that he won’t harm her husband during the fight.

In the very next battle Alexander fell down in the battlefield and Porus held a sword to his neck. But moments later, Porus released him as he had promised Roxana, now his sister, that he will not kill him.

A single promise stopped Porus from delivering the final blow to the unbeatable Alexander.

After that he refused to fight with Alexander and even lost the battle.

Alexander respected him for this kind gesture till the end of his life.

When Alexander died, Porus became a loyal Macedonian Governor and served Alexander’s kingdom.

It’s Not Just a Simple Thread

So, that’s the power of a simple thread and the virtue entwined in it, that everyone calls Rakhi. Never take it lightly. Tying a Rakhi does not mean that you just have to follow a ritual being a brother and sister. Understand that Rakhi is a protective shield, a thread of love that protects your home and relationships. A thread that strengthens your mind as well. This is an amazing festival of emotions and feelings. And if there are no feelings in the heart, then it is just a mere string of thread, nothing else.

Look at your history and you’ll find numerous stories of people and our Gods who tied the Rakhi and how they fulfilled their promises. These stories highlight the importance of Raksha Bandhan and the value of promise as a virtue.

The Deeper Meaning

Know that in our country, we do not celebrate any festival without a deep meaning. Through Raksha Bandhan, people understand the significance of making a commitment and keeping a promise.

Generally, people make a promise with usually good intentions like for helping others, to keep children or family happy, or do something in the future for specific results. But, unfortunately, sometimes their actions don’t measure up to the promises that they make. They fail to keep their word due to some reasons like oblivion, lack of enthusiasm, or sometimes, lack of time.

Yet the consequences could be deep and enduring. Such people lose their credibility. Their near and dear ones would hesitate to ask them for help again. It may impact the relationship and if someone is a habitual promise-breaker, people may start disrespecting him or her altogether.

Thus, Raksha Bandhan intends to inculcate the value of promise-keeping in everyone.

So, while celebrating Raksha Bandhan, either at home or in a temple or in the gratifying company of your Guru, keep the deep-rooted spirit of this festival in your heart and refrain from being a promise-breaker. Try to be principled, motivated and honest with your words. If you are successful at that, your spiritual, personal as well as professional life would flourish for sure.