Off late, I visited an ancient and popular temple. I went there with the intentions of having my deity’s darshan and the fulfilment of a long wish list in mind. Outside the premises there was a counter to keep slippers and luggage. I parked the slippers in one of the racks and then the man on the counter said, “Buy this flower garland, Lord will bless you”. I told him that I didn’t want it. He simply told me to park my slippers elsewhere. I was frustrated, but I bought the garland. Just when I entered the temple, a hawker chanted a mantra holding a packet of lilies and handed me over, “keep this, and offer this to the Lord’s consort. And pay me Rs. 30”. I was flabbergasted. I returned the packet to her and told her that I didn’t want it. She exclaimed, “Then why did you take it, why did you even come here?!” I decided to stay shut and tried not to get tensed, but in vain. When I was having my deity’s darshan, an epiphany struck me, “act. Don’t react”. I asked myself, “Why did I let them spoil my calm mindset?”

I realised that it was I who let them take control over myself. I left the premises, assuring myself that I will not let others’ actions affect me.