Don't Be Superstitious

Superstitions are mostly inherited ideas and practices founded on the unreasonable belief and irrational fear of the unknown. Our ancestors in those dark days of the past constantly used to be frightened by mysterious forces that they could neither understand nor control. Their ignorance led them to believe in abnormality and to make offerings to please the supernatural powers. They were not only ignorant but also helpless against nature, which at irregular intervals threatened them by unleashing storm, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruptions, devastating wildfire, etc., causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

We are still governed by these superstitions many of which even override our reasons and our sense of judgment. Even today it is believed that the appearance of the comet is ominous. We have not seen ghosts but still have a belief in them and fear them. Till now, people practice black magic. The fear of supernatural forces and efficacy of sacrifice before the altar of gods and goddesses stick to us even today and in spite of our scientific education and knowledge, we cannot get out of these beliefs. Our belief in the soothsayers and horoscopes to know our future is still carried over.

In this age of science, incredible achievements have explained the mysteries of the universe. Still, there are people who are interested in helping these superstitions to flourish. These people believe that these are a part of human heritage and have intrinsic merit. If only people were educated enough to see that superstitions are an integral part of our culture and religion they will learn to find the most practical happenings of our ancestors. In the name of religion and god, the people expect to reap rich harvests. Many people form groups and organize movements to spread the belief of superstition and keep the people in dark alleys. They justify tyranny of the autocratic rulers, brutalities of the exploiters and all act of injustice perpetrated on the people in the name of god. These people are all focused as representatives of God.

Thus it could be surely concluded that as long as ignorance is there, the people are bound to remain victims of superstition. Superstitions can only be got rid of by becoming a logical rationale. People should not relate everything with sentiments or emotions but make a practical approach to life. Superstitions are unwanted additions to modern society which is moving towards a more scientific approach to life.