Modified on:
In this article we will see through various examples why people repent. It may be failing in examination, flouting social norms or simple flouting of traffic rules. It starts by taking things casually as a status symbol but later it became habit in due course of time. Repeated wrongdoing often lands up in trouble. Repentance is natural. Some think atonement can solve the problem, but it is one aspect. Though mistakes are inherent, taking cue with mistakes for improvement is a good idea.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- People often experience repentance due to mistakes, failures, or irresponsible actions.
- Repentance is natural, but holding onto it can be unhealthy and damaging to relationships.
- Engaging in negative habits leads to repeated wrongdoing and regret, highlighting the need for self-awareness.
- Atonement involves self-healing, but mere self-flagellation does not suffice to rectify harm done.
- Ultimately, individuals must contribute positively to society, embracing the principle of unity and collective well-being.
Promise
Deceived by a fake advertisement and failing to make easy money online, he repented. He stayed restless and exasperated for days and had sleepless nights. Even damage control could not calm him. He promised himself not to get lured by rosy but fake advertisements and to be careful not to get trapped in any such scam. Years after this, he could not get rid of the haunting repentance.
The challan
Days passed and memory faded, leaving scanty traces. Once again, he was restless. He had received an email informing him about a hefty traffic challan. A fine imposed, and he was to deposit the amount of the challan within the stipulated time. Failing which, legal action would be initiated. It was a worrisome notice that made him furious. He recalled when he jumped a red light wearing no seat belt. A frequent traffic offender, he was never caught before. It made him casual and careless. “It all works,” he would say, shrugging his shoulders. Now, he was furious and repenting his actions. Once again, he promised himself not to repeat it.
He was not alone. Many people act similarly, sometimes in ignorance, and at times deliberately. They repent when something goes wrong or are caught on the wrong side. Instead of accepting their mistakes, they try to defend themselves on frivolous grounds and give lousy excuses. A few people self-curse and start flogging a dead horse.
Teenager’s jinx
The neighbour’s son couldn’t get through his examination and became gloomy. He feared serious punishment from his father, who had high expectations. The stressed teenager was feeling like caught between a devil and the deep sea. How he should tell his parents was his great dilemma. The boy was not sad because of his failure but because of the fear of punishment. Though he was realising his failure, he couldn’t accept it. Ultimately, down with a fever, he felt fatigued.
Repentance is natural, but lugging it is not healthy for the individual.
Repentance is natural
Failure, mistakes, and unconsciously flouting the norm are normal. It is rightly said that to err is human. Repentance is natural, but lugging it is not healthy for the individual. Nevertheless, there are habits or compulsive actions that must be taken seriously, especially when it affects the lives of those who are attached to them. It leads nowhere but to a blind alley. Relations start straining, sometimes reaching a dangerous level and leading to an untoward incident. Returning becomes impossible. It not only ruins their lives but shatters all attached persons or family members. (My Eternal Guide)
Habit and repentance
The outcome of repeated actions of a particular type is habit. Smoking, for instance, starts as a wish to show oneself as special and different from the crowd. It then becomes a hobby, and repeated action converts into a habit. During the early stage, smoking causes nausea and vomiting, but with time, it turns into a habit. Conditions vary, but most growing children pick up habits by copying peers and people whom they consider their heroes, like silver screen stars. The formative years are very crucial. It needs careful planning by the parents and close watch. Similarly, devouring excessive and uncontrolled liquor ruins the life of an individual. The list is long.
Repentance for Wrong
Caught within the trap of obnoxious activities, simple, image-conscious people become desperate and regretful. They try not to repeat it further. Nonetheless, the habit compels them to repeat bad things, compelling them to do unethical and unlawful activities. More often than not, poor people are used in illegal activities against their will. The accidental trapping, pressing conditions or compulsions, nevertheless, push them to the brink of a dangerous trench. They fall if they do not get prompt help.
Atonement
Self-cursing is often considered atonement by wrongdoers. They feel that the act of self-flagellation will solve the problem and wave off the harm they did. Reparation, though, can’t fill the void; it gives a chance for self-healing and coming out of the labyrinth of guilt. It is for those who are innocent and pure in their behaviour. An analogous example will illustrate the point.
Jallianwala Bagh: No atonement by Britons
It was the day of Baisakhi in 1919. People had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, to hold a meeting against the atrocities of the British government. Women, children, aged people and youths gathered for a peaceful meeting. The walled garden had a narrow gate, which was the entrance and exit of the garden. Covering the gate with armed police, high-handed General Dyer ordered fire on the unprovoked and peaceful crowd. Not warned, nor given a chance to disperse. The armed and intimidating force began firing on orders, killing more than one thousand people and injuring an equal number. Britain has yet to take note of it. Instead, they tried to glorify Dyer. This is the audacity of Britons.
Law of the land
Set of norms and customs govern society. Rules are for the broader interest of people and society. Broadly, there are two types of human actions: deeds which contribute to the welfare of society and overall development and betterment are termed good or worthy deeds. Negative and destructive actions, behaviour or deeds are bad and ignoble. The ignoble actions are illegal and punishable under the law of the land. Some human traits are detrimental to the individual, and some extend to others as well. It is like a parasitic plant which siphons off nutrients from the tree on which it grows. The personal non-malignant negative traits of an individual are impediments to personal growth and development. Mere repentance is not enough. Guilty has to be punished. Criminal actions or deeds must seriously be dealt with as per the law.
In the end
An individual is a part of society. The actions of an individual impact not only their family but also society and the nation as a whole. Swami Vivekananda once stated that playing football can lead to greater fulfilment than merely reading the Gita. A healthy individual is more capable of serving their country than someone who is frail and not contributing to society. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body, which ultimately benefits the nation. As human beings, every individual must give a positive contribution to society and the country. Embracing all, thinking good for all, and doing good for all has been the mantra of our sagacious primogenitors. It is the spirit of “Vasudhaiv Kutumkam” (The whole world is one single family).
Further interesting reads:
-END-
Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
Leave a Reply