Himani Goyal-Soul Studio

What Should We Really Believe?
Almost all of us have grown up hearing statements like:
“Don’t eat rice on Ekadashi.”
“Don’t wash clothes on Thursday.”
“If a black cat crosses your path, stop.”
“If a mirror breaks, bad luck will follow.”
“If someone sneezes before you leave, wait.”
Some people follow these rules strictly.
Some ignore them completely.
And many feel confused—“What is right? What is fear? What is faith?”
Let us understand this calmly, logically, and without disrespecting tradition.
— ✦ —
Why Do Such Beliefs Exist at All?
Before judging them, it is important to understand where they came from.
Most such sayings were created due to:
Lifestyle discipline
Health & hygiene
Social order
Psychological safety
Astrological timing
Symbolic teaching (not literal fear)
Over time, meaning got lost, and fear got added.
— ✦ —
Common Beliefs Explained Clearly
1. “Don’t eat rice on Ekadashi”
Original reason:
Ekadashi aligns with lunar cycles.
Ayurveda suggests digestion is weaker that day.
Light fasting improves gut rest and mental clarity.
Truth today:
It is a health & mindfulness practice, not punishment.
If you are sick, pregnant, elderly, or working long hours—forcing fasting is not dharma.
Astrology angle:
Ekadashi supports mental sattva (clarity), not fear.
Should you follow?
✔️ If it suits your body and mind
❌ Not out of fear or guilt
— ✦ —
2. “Don’t wash clothes on Thursday”
Original reason:
Thursday was dedicated to Guru (knowledge, teaching, prayer).
Water sources were limited earlier—washing was heavy labour.
Truth today:
No planet will punish you for using a washing machine.
Respect for Guru comes from learning, gratitude, ethics, not laundry timing.
Should you follow?
✔️ Symbolically (keep Thursday calm, reflective)
❌ Not literally as fear
— ✦ —
3. “If you wash clothes on Ekadashi, you’ll become a washerman”
This is symbolic language, not destiny.
Meaning:
Ekadashi was meant for inner cleansing, not physical chores.
Elders used strong words so children would remember.
Truth:
Professions are not curses.
Karma is built by actions, intention, effort—not one day’s activity.
— ✦ —
4. “Don’t keep someone’s handkerchief”
Original reason:
Hygiene.
Spread of infections.
Personal energy boundaries.
Today’s relevance: ✔️ Hygiene—still valid
❌ Energy fear—exaggerated
— ✦ —
5. “Don’t take perfume as a gift”
Original reason:
In old times, fragrance symbolised impermanence.
It was used poetically to say: “Attachment fades like scent.”
Truth today:
It is cultural symbolism, not bad luck.
Intention matters more than object.
— ✦ —
6. “Don’t go out if someone sneezes”
Original reason:
Sneezing earlier indicated illness.
Pausing ensured safety.
Truth today:
A moment of pause is fine.
Fear-based stopping is unnecessary.
— ✦ —
7. “Broken mirror brings bad luck”
Original reason:
Mirrors were expensive and rare.
Carelessness caused loss.
Psychology angle:
Broken reflection symbolised disturbed focus.
Truth:
Clean it safely.
Nothing mystical follows.
— ✦ —
8. “Black cat crossing your path is bad luck”
Historical reason:
Poor night vision → sudden accidents.
Black cats blended into darkness.
Truth:
Animals are neutral beings.
Fear creates delay—not destiny.
— ✦ —
Astrology vs Superstition — Big Difference
Astrology is timing + awareness.
Superstition is fear without understanding.
Astrology says:
“Be mindful during certain periods.” Superstition says:
“If you don’t obey, something bad will happen.”
That fear-based thinking was never the intention of dharma.
— ✦ —
Why New Superstitions Keep Getting Created
Because:
Fear spreads faster than logic
Elders repeat without explaining
People confuse tradition with threat
Not every old belief is wrong.
But blind belief without understanding is harmful.
— ✦ —
What Should You Do When People Tell You Such Things?
✔️ Do This:
Listen respectfully
Ask: “What is the reason behind this?”
Apply what is logical, healthy, and peaceful
❌ Avoid This:
Fear-based obedience
Judging elders harshly
Creating anxiety in children
— ✦ —
The Golden Rule
If a belief:
Improves health → follow
Builds discipline → follow
Creates fear, guilt, anxiety → release
Dharma was created to liberate, not to scare.
— ✦ —
Final Soul Reminder
Traditions are guides, not chains.
Astrology is awareness, not punishment.
Faith should bring peace, not panic.
Question gently.
Understand deeply.
Choose wisely.
With love & cosmic guidance,
Himani Goyal Soul Studio
 himanigoyal21.com