WHAT has happened to mankind of this century? Where has man’s love gone- the love that he practiced in ages gone by? He who can’t feel other people’s love and respect human dignity has lost his human touch. Our life was once a flower in a garden and in that garden were many beautiful flowers. A gust of wind came vigorously and shook the branch. The flower broke off and fell. The fragrance of that flower was carried away by the strong wind, and so, there is no more fragrance in the beautiful garden of mankind. It wasn’t the fault of either the wind or the garden.  Mankind around you is very selfish, and you can’t repose confidence in them. Step forth with caution as you choose your paths, because they are filled with burning coals, not with flowers any more.

Who is responsible for this pitiful moment in which we see brothers fighting, burning and killing each other? Some places we see blood, other places – fire; we know not what will happen next. Our heads are bent in fear, shame and dishonor, and the struggle for true freedom has virtually ended. There is no mutual trust everywhere we turn, and every knife is stained with human blood.

All communities today are in pain. Countless men, women and children are in tears. Homes and streets and neighborhoods are all weeping, girls of all backgrounds are weeping, religious books are weeping, and mountains all resonate with one question – Where is the unity that once united mankind? Poisonous snakes have bitten the entire country and lamps that once brighten our homes have now burnt them down.

In the past, when our country faced troubling times, men used to sacrifice their lives to protect the honor of our people. But now that spirit has gone and everything is different. Our brothers, sisters and children are in danger. People are afraid because many of them have been subjected to abuse both in and out of their homes. We have seen the fall of our people in our country. And, Religion, powerless to protect our people, is quietly weeping on the sidelines.

Whom can we genuinely blame? And, where can we go to call for help? Those who fight among themselves are our own brothers and sisters. We are all guilty of having forgotten the true lesson of love and unity.

Listen, all of you with ears! Just take a look at the skies. Billions of stars exist as one happy family in one solar system. We never see them fighting and shedding each other’s blood. But look at man, the son of Earth. Look how low he has fallen – he has robbed many people of their happiness and took their innocent lives. Look at his face betraying his sin. The world laughs at us because of our mutual enmity. Our country is now subject to ridicule from other nations.

How has this moment of danger descend upon us? Even winds are filled with poison, and this poison has spread throughout our nation. Nights and days are filled with fear for our people. Every home is caught in the jaws of death. We know not what will happen where-when and next. Windows and doors are tightly locked like prison and everyone sits at home like a prisoner, scared. What will happen to people in such a pitiful state? They can lose all that they have worked for – they can be attacked anytime. Oh! No protector is in sight. Even God is sleeping in the heavens. What has happened to this beautiful nation of ours? Love has been smitten a fatal blow.

We pray: Infinite Lord of Compassion, Help us after the shock of terror to remember our nation and who have suffered – and those who seek the relief of suffering and injustice – and the repair of our nation.
PANDIT SURESH SUGRIM