“The Powder of Kindness”
By Lokanath Mishra
Lalita’s marriage wasn’t what she had envisioned. She had dreamed of a luxurious life with her husband, free from the responsibilities of living with in-laws. However, reality turned out to be overwhelming.
Despite having no major household responsibilities, thanks to her mother-in-law’s management and her husband and father-in-law’s help, Lalita felt burdened. She didn’t like her in-laws staying with them, despite her father-in-law’s financial support to her husband. She considered their help redundant and was dissatisfied with their living arrangement.
Lalita constantly thought of ways to solve the problem, but her husband disagreed with her ideas. The pressure of caring for her husband and in-laws took a toll on her. Feeling frustrated, she went to her parents’ house, but they didn’t support her.
Lalita’s frustration with her husband and in-laws led her to seek the advice of a Sadhu. She confessed her hatred towards them, despite no apparent reason, and her desire to get rid of them without consequences. The Sadhu listened calmly and offered to help, but with a twist.
He told Lalita to treat her husband and in-laws with kindness, patience, and love, making it seem like they were just being themselves. Lalita agreed and left with a package of powder, which she was told would help her achieve her goal. However, as she began to treat her family members with kindness, she started to see them in a different light.
They weren’t as bad as she thought; in fact, they were lovely people. After 30 days, Lalita returned to the Sadhu, feeling guilty and ashamed of her previous behavior. She realized that her hatred and resentment had blinded her to the good in her family.
The Sadhu smiled and revealed that the powder was just flour, and the real poison was Lalita’s own negative emotions. His words stuck with her: “Every human being is good, but it’s we and society who make them change.” Lalita learned a valuable lesson about the transformative power of love and kindness, and she returned home with a newfound appreciation for her family.
