Blind Faith

   Blind Faith or Superstition is any belief that is irrational. It arises from ignorance or a misunderstanding of science. They are practices surrounding luck, prophecy and certain spiritual beings.
  'We' are superstitious. Everyone believes in good omen and bad. Everyone has a lucky tie, a ring or a bracelet. Many believe in horoscopes and dress accordingly, plan their day accordingly. Many have fondness of numbers. They buy phone numbers and number plates, suggested by a numerologist. Many wear gemstones. This is all fine to a certain level, until and unless it is overdone.
  Then there are other Superstitions. Friday, the 13th, people stay at their houses. 13, in general is considered an unlucky number. Buildings don't recognize 13th floor or 13th house. Number 7 is considered lucky. When a  black cat crosses the road, people move a few steps back and then proceed. When a crow caws, it's said that guests will greet you. Broken glass is considered both good and bad. Sweeping the house in the evening is unlucky as it sweeps away wealth and prosperity. When someone sneezes, we say 'God bless you'. Bad luck will rain if you open an umbrella indoors. I mean REALLY ???
   And then if this is not enough people go to the Self proclaimed 'Gods' the Babas and the Swamis. In an appalling incident in Harayana, thousands of followers of the 'Messenger of God ' - Gurumeet Ram Rahim Singh, burned and destroyed government and public property worth crores when he was convicted and sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment upon rape of a fellow Sadhvi. The new disclosures about him every day are disturbing, annoying and hilarious at the same time. Sant Rampal, Asaram Bapu, Swami Nityananda and the list of these imposters (dhongis) is unending. I've even heard of a Baba who gives 'tomato juice' to his devotees cum patients. Yes these, Babas dupe and deceive their followers but the followers are not blind or been blind folded, they themselves walk into the hands of these imposters. There are people who have lost their wealth in service of these imposters.
   The only logical explanation or reason one can give is the lack of understanding, lack of knowledge. If the people are not given right education they will undoubtedly follow where they are preached irrespective of whether it's good or bad for them in the long run. Also we live in a country where people who try to eradicate these said superstitions and many more are killed mercilessly. The murder of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar is still afresh in the minds of the people.
  "When a rape accused is not arrested we light candles and when a rape accused is arrested we burn the city."
" Cataract is the second biggest reason for blindness, religion remains the first."
  I read these quotes in a last couple of weeks amidst controversy and have made a lasting impact on me.