Fear is the most consuming emotion any living entity can experience. When terror strikes, it becomes the only thing occupying one’s mind. Quasi-religious terrorism is not the only form of terrorism.
There are many different forms of terrorism that can affect a living entity…
Let us have a look.
Radical Terrorists
Radical terrorism refers to terrorism driven by extreme ideologies, often seeking to overthrow the existing social or political order. It involves the use of violence or the threat of violence to achieve specific political or ideological goals—through bombings, assassinations, and other forms of brutal attacks. (Wiki)
We have seen how viciously radical terrorists pursue their nefarious aims. Driven by madness, they glorify a perverse path and, like barbaric beasts, slaughter innocent lives.
This form of terrorism is clearly visible. Intelligent people openly condemn such terrorists. The only response is to fight them.
Cultural Terrorists
There is another form of terrorism which is not so visibly evident.
These terrorists destroy the cultural sobriety and spiritual integrity of individuals by making them deaf, dumb, and blind to their own roots.
Romantic, comedy, adventure, fantasy movies…..Songs that make us feel this world is lovely enough to stay forever…..Fiction that promises hope in an illusory other world – unfortunately, all of this constitutes cultural terrorism. And the interesting thing? We don’t even fear these terrorists.
They enter through our mobile screens, flood us with videos, and we happily scroll.
Sometimes, we even desire to watch rubbish movies, just to be a part of society, and return home unknowingly scarred by these cultural terrorists.
Radical terrorism may take away one life. Cultural terrorism implants impressions deep in our subconscious that are enough to destroy many lifetimes.
Ironically, the same people who condemn radical terrorists openly glorify cultural terrorists. How amazing is that!
Mental Terrorists
Yet another form of terrorism lies within us.
Our own mind can be the most dangerous enemy. Krishna says the same in the Bhagavad-gita:
bandhur ātmātmanas tasya
yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ
anātmnas tu śatrutve
vartetātmaiva śatru-vat
“For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy.” (BG 6.6)
We are living in our own home with a terrorist. He can attack us even while we are in the bathroom! And yet, how fondly we converse with our mind! We rush to fulfill its every proposal.
The terror our mind brings forth can rob us of our very soul. We fondly embrace and feed this terrorist every single day.
But the good news? Unlike the other two, this terrorist can be transformed into a devotee. If we nourish it with spiritual input, the animal-like mind can become bee-like—seeking the nectar of devotion.
Then, we no longer live with a terrorist. We have a devotee companion wherever we go. And for such a person, there is no danger anywhere.
Spiritual Terrorists
Even after turning the mind into a devotee which in itself is a rare and difficult achievement, another form of terrorism can strike.
Spiritual terrorism refers to the destruction of one’s own devotional service.
How does it happen? By committing offenses – especially Vaishnava aparādha.
Srila Prabhupada writes, “To commit an offense against a devotee is very dangerous in devotional service. Lord Caitanya therefore said that an offense to a devotee is just like a mad elephant run loose; when a mad elephant enters a garden, it tramples all the plants. Similarly, an offense unto the feet of a pure devotee murders one’s position in devotional service.” (SB 3.15.39 P)
How tragic! When we offend devotees, we destroy our own devotional progress.
The scriptures are full of examples of such spiritual terrorism. And the only remedy? We need to humbly beg forgiveness from the very devotees we have offended. Without their mercy, such offenses cannot be removed.
Gopal Chapala once offended Srivasa Thakura and was afflicted with leprosy as a result. Even Mahaprabhu did not forgive him. He clearly said that only Srivasa’s forgiveness could save him. And when Srivasa forgave, Gopal Chapala was delivered and went on to become Devakinandan dasa Thakura.
Rupa Kaviraja offended Krishna Priya Devi and became a brahma-rākṣasa. It is said that those who offend devotees are haunted by the ghost of Rupa Kaviraja.
We should desire a life free from all kinds of terrorism.
We have to fight radical terrorists, avoid pseudo-cultural influences, purify the mind, and seek forgiveness from devotees. Then, can our life be truly free from terrorism, not just in this lifetime, but for lifetimes to come.
