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May the Trinity Prevail!
The problem with Bulls**t is that even the Bull does not seem to mind others partaking it! Especially when some of us do it with such an aplomb.
To share an example, my friend’s mother in law is truly gifted. Not long ago, she acquired an honorary doctorate in superstitions and ever since she has been personally seeing to their implementation, in her household at least. Her favorite notion being the legendary ‘inauspiciousness’ surrounding the number 3. "Arey teen log saath mat jao, kaam nahin baneyga." (Dont proceed for work in a group of three, lest the task might not be accomplished) We three friends often hear this, instead of a regular ‘good luck’ when we venture out for anything together.
Needless to say that we never insist on the logic of it (but hardly ‘obey’). Arguing with ‘Mother-in-Law’ logic is like trying to convince the opposition party to support the ruling one. However, fond as she is of me, I did try once. I jokingly questioned whether the friend, who incidently has ‘three’ children should give one into adoption, if the number was so ominous. Gauging her reaction, I felt like a prosecution witness gone hostile by testifying/supporting the other party. I caould sense that she mentally deleted me from her good books right then!
Coming to superstitions, I have often wondered if they hold any wisdom; particularly if there is any, behind considering the number of 'three' as a bad augury. I find none. On the contrary, I am able to give numerous instances of it being a good/relevant sign/symbol (wish the MIL is reading this!).
An averagely devout Hindu, is likely to have firm faith in the Trinity. It is believed that Brahma, the creator, created this beautiful Earth, all replete and complete with resources; Vishnu, is the lord responsible for preserving it; and Mahesh is the lord of destruction. Three Godesses viz. Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati ably support them as their consorts. Devalok, Mirttyu loka and Pataal lok are believed to be the abodes of Deva's, Manushya's and Asura's respectively.
Speaking of the Trinity, the significance of the mythical third eye of Lord Shiva cannot be overlooked. ('Trinetra' is often used as a synonym for the lord). The significance of Triveni Sangam, the point of confluence of three great Indian rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati is etched in the ancient texts. Then….Bhakti, Gyana and Karma are believed to be the three paths to attain mokhsa. Satyam Shivam Sundaram is another Hindu belief.
Buddhism gives the mantra of 'Buddham sharnam gachchami, Dhammam sharnam gachchami, Sangham sharnam gachchami.' Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha being the three goals or destinations.
For those not so religiously inclined, all 'matter' on Earth exists in three states-solid, liquid and gaseous. 'Atom', the basic constituent consists of three main parts- proton, neutron and electron. Physics, Chemistry and Biology are the three main streams of Science. Winter, summer and rainy season constitute the climate cycle on Earth.
Leaving aside Earth, and coming to earthlings--three basic traits- personality, perceptions and priorities define a human being, and differentiate him/her from another of the same species. All jobs taken by this human being may be classified into three categories--mental, manual and menial.
The prefix 'the great' is associated with three great men about whom we read in history-Alexander, Ashoka and Akbar. Those who are not so great strive to attain three basic necessities of life- roti, kapda aur makaan. The Lion Capital at Sarnath has three visible lions in the sitting posture. We have adopted it as the National emblem.
Poverty, population and pollution sum up the anathema with which our planet is afflicted.
Having acquired legal education, I can safely vouch that most litigation in this country is concentrated around three matters-zar, zoru and zameen.
Many more examples can be added to the above list. They may verge from silly to serious. The point in writing this piece is to counter a belief/a superstition to which no logical interpretation can be given. Even the old adage- 'two is company, three is crowd (while two can be in agreement, three will always be in argument), defies any logic now. Because, ‘three’ is the minimum quorum required in mediation, which is an alternative mechanism to resolve disputes!
To sum it up, nothing justifies a complete ostracization of three! May the Trinity prevail!
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