This article explains: The true spiritual meaning of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan, a major festival of India.
We know the literal meaning of Raksha Bandhan – the bondage of protection and as per tradition, the sister puts a ‘tilak’ on the forehead of her brother, and ties a “rakhi’ (a colorful and decorated thread) on their brother’s wrist, and gives sweets as an offering of their love. In return, the brother vows to protect his sister under all circumstances and of course, gives his sister ‘kharchi’ or a gift.
Raksha Bandhan has a deeper spiritual explanation. Come and learn the true meaning of Rakhi festival and of its every pratha.
Spiritual meaning of each Pratha
1. Tilak
The “tilak‟ is a sign of being victorious over “BODY-CONSCIOUSNESS‟ and the web of vices that influenced us to perform negative actions. It is also a symbol of awakening one’s awareness of “Soul-consciousness”, realizing our true identity as infinitesimal points of divine energy – Soul, Atma, Ruha, Spirit or divine light energy, and NOT the physical body.
2. Rakhi
Rakhi is a sign of the VOW of purity taken by all human beings (souls), a VOW made to God Shiva that we shall remain pure for our entire life. Because we ALL human beings are brothers and sisters among us. We have the same spiritual father - the Supreme Soul is our creator (father). Signifying this, the sister prays for the wellness and betterment of her brother, just as God is a well-wisher of ours.
3. Sweets (Meethai)
The sweets that the sister offers to the brother is a symbol of sweetness is our relationship. We make a vow of behaving sweetly with EVERYONE whom we shall meet. Sister is saying to brother - 'Become sweet.'
4. Kharchi (money in return of tying Rakhi)
A relationship is one in which there is give and take. Hence here also, the brother gives kharchi in return for love and sweets. This is the give and take is fulfilled.
Watch Video on: Significance of Raksha Bandhan celebration (Hindi)
Do we ever stop to marvel at the magic of love? They say love is as delicate as a flower that a single touch can bruise it, and yet so strong as to withstand all storms. Love is the epitome of freedom and power but only when grounded in Purity and Spiritual principles. The Festival of Raksha Bandhan (Bond of Protection) speaks of this Sacred, Loving relationship that nurtures, protects and uplifts. Traditionally, sisters apply a “tilak‟ on the forehead of their brothers, tie a colorful decorated “rakhi‟ or thread on their brother’s wrist, and offer sweets as a token of their love. In return, the brother vows to protect his sister under all circumstances and of course, gives his sister a gift.
Tying a “rakhi” is a symbol of purity in thought, word and deed. So, make a pledge to stay in your original nature of peace, love, purity, knowledge, and compassion… my every thought, word and action becomes elevated and divine. Then, we receive the sweets as God bestows on us divine wisdom, becomes our true protector and liberator, and showers us with unlimited peace and happiness! Under His canopy of protection, we can be truly safe. The gift I give is to see every other being as a child of God and part of my spiritual family. This unlimited vision of brotherhood breaks all barriers of caste, creed, age, gender, religion, socio-economic status, sanskars (personality traits)…. I can live by my TRUE SELF-RESPECT and help others to do the same.
~ GOD ties Rakhi to all Souls ~
We already now understand the deep meaning of the rituals of Rakhi. Tilak signifies 'soul consciousness'. God, the supreme soul gives us a tilak of remembrance - that you are a Soul. Then he ties us a Rakhi (vow of purity) and ask us to remain pure in this last birth. Then he makes us as sweet as himself. Sweet means with all attainments and virtues. Then at last, gives us kharchi (wealth of new world) and we shall receive an inheritance of heaven (golden age). This is our golden fortune.
In Relation to Brahma Kumaris
Rakhi, as it was initially meant to be, is a worldwide brotherhood consciousness. This is to remind that we ALL, beyond religion and region, are Brothers and sisters
This has to be remembered again, since has been forgotten. Do you realise that you, me, the soul of Christ, Buddha, Ibrahim, and all other religion's souls - we all have a common father? Our spiritual father, who is incorporeal, whom we also call God or the Supreme soul.
We are all his children. This we have forgotten, and thus we fought in the name of religion, race and region. GOD, our spiritual father comes and remind us:
"You are my long lost and now found sweetest and dearest children. I have come to take you all back to our sweet home."
The process is to become pure, and adopt divine virtues with the help of powers of God, which we receive when we remember him. This is called Raja Yog meditation.
Final Words
Every Indian festival is a reminder of God’s teaching of Sangam Yug (present time). They all have a purpose, and a message to give. But yes, you will get the nectar from this only when you know the real consciousness behind those festivals. Now you know atleast the truth behind 'Rakhi'.
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