What will people say about me?

I hear this is a big deal for a lot of people. I don’t identify with this too much, but considering that my choices and lifestyle is often uncommon especially in ashram spaces which I frequent – gossiping would be a natural consequence.

I have heard a few weird rumours about me through some folks, I don’t know how true or widely spread these were. When I was younger, I felt indignant and perturbed that people would indulge in such inappropriate actions especially in ashram spaces. But now, have accepted this reality and I largely find them funny. I also feel that the rumours are more a reflection of those people than me.

The fact that I am typically not dependent financially (or otherwise) on the people or organization makes a huge difference. I have heard of situations where false rumours are often maliciously planted for specific gains – and it can create a fairly tough situation for the sadhaka.

There is a beautiful (and satisfying) Indian cultural lore that I often think of in relation to gossiping. Maybe I read it first in the Aghori books, I am not sure. But it has remained in my memory since.

It goes thus,

A poor brahmin with his daughter in a dilapidated hut were living a meagre life. Once some great Rishis passed by and the Brahmin offered them to come in and have a meal – as is the typical norm. Well, unfortunately, while serving the meal, an insect crept into the food of the lead Rishi. And Rishi’s being the way they are, got enraged and cursed this Brahmin. Some terrible curse.

In due course, another yogi visited his hut. And the Brahmin shared the situation with him. This great yogi said there was a quick (but socially difficult) solution. The Brahmin agreed because after all, the mukti is the goal, not social ease.

Thus, the yogi went into the nearby village and started the rumour that the Brahmin was sleeping with his Daughter. Obviously, the rumour spread like wild fire in a dried up forest.

Thus, as people gossiped and gossiped and gossiped… and the bad tale spread everywhere, slowly the Brahmin’s curse lightened. His karma being taken off by these gossiping people. And thus, soon his curse was over. (maybe this social fall of reputation was the curse of the Rishi? so the curse was also finding fruction?)

The point is that the Brahmin’s bad karma was siphoned off by the gossiping people.

This simple Indian Cultural Story really lightens the matter when I think that people may be gossiping about me. 🙂 (last laugh)

Keeping the right bhaav in our thoughts, speech and action is an important sadhana. Especially, when in ashram spaces. Otherwise, the point of being in the ashram may not get fulfilled.

I don’t consider gossiping as a “bad thing”. I think the bhaav is more important.

The village people when they spread such mean rumours about the Brahmin wouldn’t have had a good bhaav. And that makes a big difference in the karma gathered from the activity of gossip.

I have delved into the meaning of Karma here in a previous blog post. And one clear understanding is that karma is more connected with our bhaav behind the action rather than the specific action itself.

I love Indian cultural stories which very easily, through story, give us a larger/different perspective that helps us accept social situations, relax, and improve our behaviour.

Much thanks to the great beings that helped Indic culture become the power house it still is today!