Raksha Bandhan: Silver cords bind best



Sampling of Rakhis (Photo by Samir)

Subhamoy Das of About.com reports that a rakhi (“holy thread”) is tied around the wrist on Raksha Bandhan in order to symbolize “a chaste bond of love.”  He then goes on to explain that rakhis are “ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads,” and can also be “studded with semi precious stones.”

Unfortunately, many people focus more upon these semi-precious aspects of Raksha Bandhan than upon the truly precious ones.  It is therefore essential to remember that silver threads cannot extend nearly as far as silver cords.

The “silver cord” (aka sutratma or antahkarana) has been widely spoken of within metaphysical literature.  Wikipedia calls it the “life-giving linkage from the Higher self (atma) down to the physical body.”  The term “silver cord” also appears in the King James version of Ecclesiastes 12:  Or ever the silver cord be loosed… Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

People who have experienced “soul travel” or OBEs (out-of-body experiences) have often reported seeing this silver cord.  This has given them a feeling of reassurance that they are still attached to the body and can find their way back to it.  Like the rakhi itself, this cord is a collection of threads that bind together for a greater purpose.  These “silver threads,” however, are energetic rather than physical.  Author Robert Bruce, an astral-projection researcher, describes them as a “converging collection of strands leading out of all the

major chakras, and some of the minor ones.”

In August 2006, The Times of India opinion section ran an article titled True meaning of Raksha Bandhan that offers this explanation:  This sacred thread called a rakhi, tied on the right hand, is only symbolic and it is a gentle reminder that we must protect ourselves spiritually from the vices lest we commit spiritual suicide in the bondage of materialism.

Resources

http://hinduism.about.com/od/rakhi/a/rakshabandhan.htm

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1874799.cms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_cord

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan

Copyright August 12, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved