Pujya Swamiji’s Blessings on Raksha Bandhan

Rakhsha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a celebration of the bond of love and the bond of family. On this day, sisters tie sacred threads around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their love and affection. In return, the brother promises to protect his sister and to always be there for her.

Pujya Swamiji shares a beautiful message that Raksha Bandhan should also be Vrksha Bandhan. He said, “In addition to sisters tying rakhis on their brothers, we should also all be tying rakhis to trees, pledging to protect them and all of Mother Nature.

“Let us realize that our brothers and sisters in the animal kingdom weep helplessly when separated from their mothers at birth and scream in pain when injured, just as we do. Let us realize that we are defying the order of God and the path of dharma when we knowingly and unnecessarily cause such pain, trauma and suffering to our brothers and sisters in the animal kingdom.

“Last and most importantly, let us offer the rakhi of our heart to the Lord. For He is our true brother, our true sister, our true protector. It is to Him that we want to be eternally tied. The divine rakhi that you offer to the Lord will never become untied, never become faded and will never break. He will forever protect you, forever be with you and forever love you.”