SWAHA extends condolences to the family of the late Dana Seetahal whose life was snuffed out in such a gruesome manner. The horrific circumstances under which such a prominent and well-regarded citizen should find her end are a clear signal that the life of every individual of our nation is under threat at every moment. Intense fear and insecurity have gripped the country to the core with no immediate signs of relief apparent.
Such circumstances beg many questions that many may superficially answer by laying blame on weak systems of protection, various authorities and other bodies that hold the reins of power. However, deep analysis indicates clearly that the root of all the atrocities that we are victims of, or are witnessing today, lies in ‘karma’, that is, our very own actions. Nothing happens without a cause. It is a universal law that every action produces a reaction, without fail. Bright and bold, it is there for all to see that our country is paying the penalty for previous collective actions of individuals and the society as a whole. We are reaping the fruits of seeds planted in the past. The cumulative effect of previous misdemeanours is just beginning to bear fruit.
No need to delve far, the daily abuse and disrespect inflicted by human upon human, laws, institutions, environment, principles and duties are horrendous. Most certainly, this is a reflection of a lack of spirituality.
Of course, the resultant effect of such atrocities we have seen through the ages appears in three types of pain, namely, bodily discomfort, environmental disturbances and natural disasters. The gruesome infliction of pain by humans upon their fellow human beings is symptomatic of a diseased society. But it has only just begun. Even the excessive heat, bush fires, smog, floods, oil spills and other environmental and natural occurrences spell out the effects of our misdeeds. Nature is speaking to us, but who is listening?
To get out of this abyss of continuing misdemeanours and pain, there must be a return to spirituality. Therein lies our only hope. This is a call to the entire nation to leave behind all negativities and surrender to the Divine will. The scriptures of all religions demonstrate the restorative and transformational powers of Divine intervention. A change of attitude is critical to the safety, security and wellbeing of our homes, families, communities, our people, our nation.
True surrender implies following injunctions, avoiding prohibitions, developing a deep sense of conviction and self-surrender, total dependence on the Divine, full faith in Him only and practice of the quality of humility. These characteristics provide the only safe armour of life.
The collective effort of all may not cause the criminals to fade away instantly, but, in effect, it will ensure a sense of morality in the society, the creation of positive role models for youth, devotion to duty and the strengthened belief in God. It will serve to create positive ‘karmas’ that will redound to the benefit of our near and dear ones, ourselves and our beloved nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Let us free ourselves and our land from the clutches of insecurity and a fearful existence. Hope lies in surrender to the Lord.
By Paramacharya Pt. Hardeo Persad
