The Evil Eye: Between Faith, Fear, and the Invisible Threads of Belief

The Evil Eye: Between Faith, Fear, and the Invisible Threads of Belief

In the vast and vivid cultural landscape of India—where faith flutters between logic and legend, and the seen blends with the unseen—the concept of nazar (evil eye) stands as one of the most fascinating intersections of belief, psychology, and social practice. From bustling bazaars to silent courtyards, from grand mansions to humble huts, the phrase “nazar lag gayi” (to be affected by the evil eye) still carries a deep resonance, blending fear and fascination, spirituality and superstition. It is both a reflection of human vulnerability and an expression of the unseen energies that shape our collective consciousness.

The Meaning and Mystique of Nazar Lagna (Being Affected by the Evil Eye)

The term “nazar lagna” (to be struck by the evil eye) is the belief that excessive admiration, jealousy, or even a lingering gaze can transmit harmful energy to the object of attention—be it a person, a child, an animal, a house, or even success itself. It signifies an imbalance in the cosmic harmony caused by the unseen power of human emotions.

In Sanskrit, this condition is referred to as Drishti Dosha (दृष्टिदोष)—drishti meaning sight or gaze, and dosha meaning defect or affliction. Ancient Indian scriptures recognise the spiritual potency of the human gaze. The Rig Veda (ऋग्वेद 10.137.7) mentions:

“यस्य चक्षुः न निमिषति तस्य दृष्टिः अमृतस्य भवति।”
Yasya chakṣuh na nimiṣati tasya drishti amrutasya bhavati.
He whose eyes do not waver, his vision becomes immortal.

This verse reveals the dual nature of vision—it can bless or blemish, heal or harm, depending on the intent of the beholder.

Another verse from traditional Tantra Shastra expresses the subtle danger of envy:

“असूया हि मनुष्याणां दोषः सर्वत्र वर्तते।”
Asūyā hi manuṣyāṇāṃ doṣaḥ sarvatra vartate.
Envy is the defect that dwells in all human hearts.

Thus, nazar lagna becomes not just a supernatural concept but also a moral reflection on the frailty of human emotion.

The Act of Nazar Lagana (Casting the Evil Eye)

Nazar lagana (to cast or inflict the evil eye) is often considered unintentional, arising from unguarded admiration or concealed envy. A passer-by who gazes too long at someone’s prosperity, a friend who lavishly praises another’s child, or even a stranger admiring a bride’s beauty—all may unwittingly project negative vibrations.

The saying “Buri nazar wale, tera muh kala” (O bearer of evil eyes, may your face be darkened) is not merely a curse but a cultural mechanism to resist harmful intentions. It encapsulates the moral message that one should celebrate others’ happiness without envy.

In ancient India, this idea was expressed in the following Sanskrit maxim:

“परद्रव्येषु लोभो हि दृष्टिदोषस्य कारणम्।”
Paradravyeṣu lobho hi drishti doṣasya kāraṇam.
Greed for what belongs to others is the cause of the evil gaze.

Thus, the act of nazar lagana represents the shadow of unbalanced desire—an occult interplay between emotion and energy.

Nazar Utarna (Removing or Reversing the Evil Eye)

If nazar lagna (being affected by the evil eye) is the illness, nazar utarna (removal or reversal of the evil eye) is the cure—a symbolic act to cleanse and restore spiritual equilibrium.

Common household practices include rotating red chillies, mustard seeds, or salt around the affected person’s head and then discarding or burning them. Hanging lemon-and-chilli garlands at entrances, tying black threads on wrists or ankles, or applying a small dot (kajal ki bindi) behind a child’s ear are believed to deflect negative forces.

These rituals represent the ancient Indian understanding of energy transfer: if the harm comes through sight, it can be nullified through symbolic acts of fire, motion, and mantra. A sacred invocation used during nazar utarna rituals is:

“ॐ नमो भद्राय महादृष्टये स्वाहा।”
Om namo bhadrāya mahādrishṭaye svāhā.
Salutations to the benevolent vision that destroys the malignant gaze.

Another powerful chant from the Atharva Veda (4.4.5) offers protection:

“दृष्टिं मे पापिनीं हन्तु, दृष्टं पापं निवर्तय।”
Drishtiṃ me pāpinīṃ hantu, drishtaṃ pāpaṃ nivartaya.
May the sinful gaze be destroyed, may its evil return to naught.

By uttering such verses, one invokes not just divine protection but also a psychological assurance—a cleansing of the mind from fear and uncertainty.

The Occult and Psychological Undercurrents

The idea of nazar treads the fine line between cult and culture, between occult practices and psychological necessity. Amulets, charms, black threads, and even blue glass beads are thought to absorb negative vibrations. But beyond the ritual lies a profound truth about human psychology.

The fear of nazar stems from the fear of exposure—the anxiety of being too happy, too fortunate, or too visible in a world where envy lurks in silent hearts. These practices offer comfort through symbolic control—a way to externalise inner fears into tangible acts, giving the believer both solace and strength.

Modern psychology recognises this phenomenon as a form of external locus of control, where individuals perceive their wellbeing as influenced by external forces. In uncertain times, belief in nazar utarna offers emotional balance, serving as both protection and placebo.

A Social and Cultural Mirror

Every civilization has acknowledged the gaze of envy. The Greeks called it Baskania, the Arabs Ayin al-Hasad, the Italians Malocchio, and the Turks Nazar Boncugu. Yet, in India, the nazar transcends religion and geography.

Hindus perform aarti with salt and chillies, Muslims recite dua for protection, and Christians bless their homes with holy water. The practice unites people across faiths in the shared recognition of invisible energies that shape human destiny.

It is not merely superstition but a spiritual metaphor for human vulnerability, reminding us that envy can corrode not only the envied but the envious themselves.

When praise turns heavy with unseen sighs,
And smiles conceal the shadowed eyes,
We seek a thread, a stone, a prayer,
To guard our joy from envy’s glare.

For sight can wound, though soft its hue,
A spark of envy pierces through;
So chant we softly—“Om Shanti, Om,”
Let peace, not malice, fill our home.

Let every gaze be pure, benign,
Let hearts with others’ joy align;
Let blessings flow where curses die,
And faith outshines the darkest eye.

“शान्तिः दृश्येषु सर्वत्र, दृष्टिदोषो न जायते।
शुभदृष्टिः भवेत् सर्वे, मङ्गलं च सदा वसेत्॥”
Śāntiḥ drishyeṣu sarvatra, drishti doṣo na jāyate;
Shubha drishtiḥ bhavet sarve, maṅgalaṃ cha sadā vaset.

Let peace dwell in every sight, may the evil gaze never arise;
May every vision be auspicious, and may goodness forever reside.

Crafting the Unseen: The Art of Becoming

Crafting the Unseen: The Art of Becoming

When someone asks, “What have you been working on?” the question may seem casual, yet it holds layers of depth that few pause to explore. It is not merely about occupation or activity — it is about evolution, endurance, and the invisible transformations that shape who we are becoming.

I have been working — not only with my hands or my head, but with my heart. I have been mending what life has broken, polishing the dull corners of patience, and watering the roots of resilience. In a world where visible productivity earns applause, I find myself cherishing the quiet progress that cannot be displayed — the kind that refines the soul and renews the spirit.

Human behaviour is a fascinating study in itself. We work incessantly, often without knowing whether our efforts will bear fruit. Psychologically, this yearning to contribute, to matter, is what keeps us alive. We measure time not in hours, but in hopes — in the soft pursuit of meaning. Survival, then, becomes not just about existence, but persistence — the will to work upon ourselves, even when the world isn’t watching.

The work of life is rarely loud. It hides in the unseen acts of love, patience, and endurance. A mother’s sleepless nights shaping a child’s tomorrow, a teacher refining lessons for minds that may or may not remember, an artist painting dreams that may never sell — all are workers in the vineyard of hope. Each one is silently crafting beauty out of belief.

Philosophically, work is the poetry of persistence. It is not merely what we do, but what we become in the process. The carpenter becomes patient through chiselling wood; the writer becomes wise through rewriting pain; the human becomes divine through learning compassion. Thus, work transcends profession — it becomes pilgrimage.

So when I am asked, “What have you been working on?” I no longer list tasks or achievements. I smile gently and say — I have been working on myself. On forgiveness and faith, on calm and clarity, on the courage to begin again. For the finest masterpieces are never painted on canvas — they are carved quietly within the human heart.

I have been working on silence, not noise,
On the courage to lose and still rejoice.
On threads of peace that time may spin,
To stitch the rifts that live within.

I have been working on light, not gold,
On truths that shimmer when stories are told.
On turning trials to lessons learned,
And ashes of grief to grace returned.

I have been working on love, not fame,
On life’s pure art — this endless game.
For every scar, each tear, each fall,
Has built the soul that conquers all.

Book Review: The Mechanics of Motion – Force, Friction, and Energy Explored by Prashant Kumar Lall

Book Review: The Mechanics of Motion – Force, Friction, and Energy Explored by Prashant Kumar Lal

In The Mechanics of Motion, author Prashant Kumar Lal takes readers on an enlightening journey through the foundational principles of Physics — force, friction, and energy — weaving together scientific understanding with lucid explanations and real-life examples. The book stands as a testament to Lal’s lifelong engagement with education, science, and intellectual exploration.

About the Author

Prashant Kumar Lal, a seasoned educationist with over three decades of experience as a Principal and consultant, brings a rare combination of academic rigour and storytelling flair to this work. Having taught, trained, and inspired countless students and teachers across India, Lal’s passion for Physics and his deep-rooted belief in making science accessible shine through in every chapter. His earlier books — spanning poetry, school leadership, and academic excellence — reflect his multifaceted personality and his ability to connect logic with life.

About the Book

The Mechanics of Motion is not just a textbook or a scientific guide — it’s an exploration of the unseen forces that govern our world. The author skillfully dissects complex physical concepts into engaging narratives, enabling readers to see how principles of motion influence everything from the movement of celestial bodies to the smallest mechanical interactions of daily life.
The book is organised thoughtfully, ensuring that readers gradually build their understanding from basic laws to advanced applications, all while staying grounded in clarity and relevance. The use of examples, conceptual illustrations, and contextual reasoning makes this book a valuable companion for students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike.

Target Readers

This book is particularly beneficial for:

– Students of Physics at the high school and undergraduate levels who seek conceptual clarity.

– Educators and science enthusiasts looking for refreshing ways to teach and appreciate Physics.

– Curious readers who wish to explore the mechanics behind motion without getting lost in mathematical jargon.

Lal’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and reality ensures that even readers from non-science backgrounds find the book intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling.

USP of the Book

The unique selling proposition (USP) of The Mechanics of Motion lies in its fusion of science, philosophy, and pedagogy. Lal not only explains the “how” of motion but also delves into the “why,” making the learning experience both rational and reflective. His teaching experience gives the book a conversational tone, guiding readers gently rather than overwhelming them with formulae and abstraction.
Furthermore, the inclusion of illustrative analogies, real-world relevance, and a crisp writing style distinguishes this book from conventional Physics texts. It’s as much a scientific discourse as it is a meditation on the dynamic nature of existence.

Availability

The Mechanics of Motion – Force, Friction, and Energy Explored is available in both print and digital formats on http://www.amazon.com, making it easily accessible for global readers.

In essence, this book is an inspiring contribution from an educator who has spent his life nurturing scientific curiosity and human wisdom. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes that learning Physics is not merely about understanding motion — but about embracing the wonder of movement that defines life itself.

The Untold Echoes Within: What Most People Don’t Know About Me

The Untold Echoes Within: What Most People Don’t Know About Me

There are layers to every human being—some revealed in conversation, some hidden in silence, and others buried deep beneath the quiet corners of the soul. What most people don’t know about me is not a secret wrapped in mystery, but a story softly humming in the background of my being—a melody that few have paused long enough to hear.

Behind the façade of calm composure lies a heart that wrestles with contradictions. I appear confident, yet within me often resides a gentle uncertainty that questions, reflects, and dreams in solitude. I am not as unbreakable as I sometimes seem, nor as tranquil as I appear. My strength, in truth, was born out of countless nights of doubt, the kind that whispers to you about your worth and purpose when the world sleeps. It’s a strength polished by endurance, not applause.

Most people know my words, my actions, my mannerisms—but not the silent dialogues I hold with myself. The small wars I’ve fought against fears that never made it to daylight. The soft prayers uttered for others who will never know I cared. Beneath the smile is a man who has faced rejection, yet chooses compassion; who has seen life’s harsh winters, yet still nurtures spring within his heart.

Philosophically speaking, we all live two lives: the one we show the world, and the one that blooms unseen in the mind’s garden. It is in the latter that our true self dwells—the self unchained by roles, expectations, or performance. Human behaviour often compels us to wear masks for acceptance, but survival—true survival—lies in embracing our hidden truths. To live authentically is to dare to reveal the soft underside of the armour, to let the world glimpse the scars and call them beautiful.

From a psychological lens, the unseen parts of us form the foundation of our resilience. The suppressed emotions, the unspoken grief, the silent endurance—they shape our inner architecture. Those who seem the calmest often hold the heaviest storms inside. Yet this quiet endurance becomes a source of empathy, teaching us to look at others not through judgement, but understanding.

In my own quiet world, music, faith, and memory become bridges that connect my inner solitude to the outer noise. They remind me that it is perfectly human to be complex—to be soft and strong, to be wounded and wise, to be a seeker in an age of superficial certainty. What most people don’t know about me is that I find meaning in the unnoticed—like a leaf trembling in the wind, or a child’s innocent question that stirs old memories.

Life, after all, is not about what we show, but what we silently overcome.

In the stillness of my thought I dwell,
Where echoes of old dreams softly swell,
The world sees my calm, my steady grace,
But not the storms I gently face.

Behind each smile, a silent prayer,
Behind each word, a hidden care,
If hearts could speak without disguise,
You’d see the truth behind my eyes.

So judge me not by what you see,
For I am oceans—calm and free,
And though my depths are seldom known,
They are the seeds from which I’ve grown.

The Stillness Within the Storm: When Lazy Days Whisper Wisdom”

“The Stillness Within the Storm: When Lazy Days Whisper Wisdom”

In the symphony of our modern existence—where every moment hums with notifications, deadlines, and the constant chase for accomplishment—there arrive those rare, languid days that drift like soft clouds across an otherwise stormy sky. The so-called lazy days. To some, they are blessings in disguise, allowing the soul to breathe; to others, they are silent thieves, robbing one of momentum and purpose. The question, then, stands like a mirror before our restless minds—do lazy days make us feel rested or unproductive?

Philosophically speaking, stillness is not absence—it is presence. The great Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius to Seneca, taught the virtue of reflection amidst the chaos of life. A lazy day, therefore, is not an indulgence in idleness but a retreat into self-awareness. When the body rests, the mind begins its subtle restoration—like the calm sea that gathers its strength for the next wave. Yet, the paradox remains: while the body basks in stillness, the mind, conditioned by years of societal conditioning, whispers guilt. We are trained to equate action with worth, busyness with success, and rest with weakness.

Contemporary life amplifies this internal battle. In the digital age, even the rest is curated. A weekend away must be Instagram-worthy; an afternoon nap must be justified with wellness jargon. The world rarely applauds serenity unless it is packaged as “self-care.” And yet, beneath this façade of productivity, the human spirit craves idleness—the kind of gentle pause where one stares out of a window, follows the dance of a leaf, or simply lets thought meander without direction.

From a psychological standpoint, lazy days are the mind’s natural mechanism for balance. Our brains, much like our muscles, require intervals of inactivity to process, heal, and create. Neuroscientists often note that creativity thrives in moments of rest—the so-called “incubation period” when the subconscious takes over. Great ideas are born not in boardrooms but in bathtubs, beds, and beneath banyan trees of thought. Survival, too, is not merely about action but about adaptation—and rest is nature’s way of ensuring endurance.

Yet, the emotional struggle remains palpable. On a lazy day, when the hands of the clock seem to mock our inertia, one may feel the tug of self-reproach—“I should be doing something.” But perhaps, doing nothing is the most profound act of being. The ancient Indian sages referred to it as Nishkama Karma—action without attachment, and at times, even inaction that carries divine meaning.

In truth, lazy days are mirrors reflecting the state of our inner being. When we are at peace, they appear as tranquil sanctuaries; when restless, they transform into prisons of guilt. Learning to embrace them without judgment is the beginning of self-compassion. For it is only in such moments of surrender that we truly rediscover ourselves—unhurried, unfiltered, and unmasked.

When clocks grow tired of ticking time,
And dreams drift softly out of rhyme,
Let silence play its gentle part—
A balm upon the weary heart.

When work and worry fade away,
And dusk turns gold to silver-grey,
The soul rediscovers what’s been lost—
Peace, unpriced, and worth the cost.

So, if a lazy day comes by,
Don’t curse the calm or question why—
For in that hush, the heart may find,
The sweetest rest for soul and mind.

The Symphony of Success: Beyond Crowns and Crowds

The Symphony of Success: Beyond Crowns and Crowds

When I close my eyes and ponder upon the word “successful,” a million faces drift through the corridors of my mind—some crowned with worldly glory, others glowing with inner grace. Yet, the one who stands still amid this glittering crowd is not a ruler, a tycoon, or a celebrity, but a humble being who conquered not the world, but himself. For true success, I believe, is not measured in applause, but in awareness—not in wealth amassed, but in wisdom attained.

Success is often mistaken as a finish line—a destination one reaches through struggle, strategy, and survival. Yet, if one listens deeply, success is not a shout of victory, but a whisper of harmony between one’s purpose and one’s peace. It is a spiritual alignment, where the heart no longer races against time, but beats in rhythm with eternity.

The one I recall when I think of success is the enlightened soul—be it a Buddha beneath the Bodhi tree, a Christ forgiving His persecutors, or an unknown saint smiling amidst storms. These are beings who transcended the illusion of achievement, transforming failure into faith and adversity into awakening. Their lives remind us that the greatest triumphs are inward, not outward; silent, not celebrated.

From the cradle of human civilisation, success has been sculpted in many forms—golden crowns, political thrones, luxurious mansions, or academic scrolls. Yet, beneath these layers of social credentials lies a deeper quest—the search for meaning. What is the use of being at the top of the ladder, if it is leaning against the wrong wall? What joy in applause, if one’s soul is gasping for breath?

Natural success flows effortlessly from sincerity and compassion. It is born from dedication, discipline, and devotion—qualities nurtured in silence. Unnatural success, on the other hand, is driven by greed, comparison, and manipulation—it burns bright for a while, but soon turns to ashes. The cosmos, in its eternal wisdom, balances both, teaching humanity that every climb needs a conscience, and every crown, a cost.

In this journey of existence, the truly successful are those who live with authenticity—those who carry love as their banner and humility as their armour. They do not fear the storms; they dance in the rain. They do not compete to be remembered; they strive to make a difference.

As I reflect upon this, I find that success is not something to be pursued—it is something to be realised. It begins where pretence ends and where gratitude begins. It dwells in the artist who paints to heal, in the teacher who shapes minds unseen, in the mother who nurtures without applause, in the monk who smiles at dawn, untouched by the world’s rush.

Success, then, is the quiet acceptance of one’s journey—neither envying the stars nor fearing the dark.

Let not your dreams be caged in gold,
Nor your worth by others told.
The truest gems are never loud,
They shine unseen, above the crowd.

Seek not the crown, seek peace instead,
Let wisdom be the path you tread.
For in each heart that learns to give,
There blooms the joy of those who live.

Be not the storm that shakes the shore,
But the calm that heals forevermore.
Success is not what you possess—
It’s what you become in humbleness.

“The Symphony Next Door: What Makes a Good Neighbour”

“The Symphony Next Door: What Makes a Good Neighbour”

There are few relationships in life that bloom without the formalities of kinship, yet hold the power to shape our happiness and peace. The relationship between neighbours belongs to that sacred sphere — a silent pact of coexistence, mutual respect, and unseen empathy. A good neighbour is not merely the person living across the fence but the invisible thread that binds humanity within a common boundary of care.

Philosophically speaking, neighbours are the mirrors of our moral character. They remind us that goodness need not always travel far — sometimes it resides just next door. In ancient Indian philosophy, the Upanishads teach us Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.” This universal idea begins in the immediate neighbourhood, where compassion, tolerance, and cooperation find their first testing ground. Similarly, Aristotle saw friendship as the essence of a good polis — a community that flourishes when citizens extend goodwill beyond their private circles.

From a social and psychological standpoint, good neighbours are emotional buffers in the noisy theatre of urban solitude. Modern living, with its high-rise walls and digital distractions, often pushes individuals into invisible isolation. A warm smile over the gate, a helping hand during an emergency, or even a shared cup of tea can rekindle the dying flame of social belonging. Psychologists have long affirmed that social connectedness lowers stress, enhances cognitive longevity, and nurtures emotional balance. A neighbour who listens can often heal more than a thousand words typed on a screen.

Science, too, lends its quiet approval to neighbourly harmony. Studies in social neuroscience reveal that acts of kindness and cooperation release oxytocin — the so-called “bonding hormone.” It strengthens trust and empathy, turning everyday interactions into small but profound acts of emotional chemistry. Urban planners have also recognised that well-connected neighbourhoods — where people walk, talk, and interact — report lower crime rates and greater well-being. Thus, good neighbours are not just moral assets but catalysts for a healthier society.

In literature, the neighbour has been a recurring symbol — sometimes of solidarity, sometimes of strife. From Robert Frost’s Mending Wall (“Good fences make good neighbours”) to Tagore’s call for “open doors and hearts,” writers have reminded us that the true boundary lies not in stone or steel but in the spirit. A good neighbour respects privacy yet extends warmth; guards his limits yet offers his heart.

In the scientific journey of human civilisation, cooperation has always outweighed competition. From primitive tribes sharing fire to modern citizens sharing Wi-Fi passwords, the essence remains unchanged — survival and serenity thrive best when shared.

To be a good neighbour, therefore, is to embody the silent virtues of humanity — empathy, patience, respect, and readiness to help. It is to turn the space between two homes into a bridge rather than a barrier.

In the hush between two walls of stone,
Lies the song of hearts well-known.
A greeting shared, a kindness sown,
Makes every house a blessed home.

No riches weigh the neighbour’s grace,
No distance dims a friendly face.
For in the warmth of doors ajar,
Lives the peace we seek afar.

Be the one who smiles first, friend,
Whose help and hope shall never end.
For good neighbours — near or far —
Are life’s own shimmering guiding star.