By Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

In a monarchy or dictatorship, change of power wouldn’t be possible without bloodshed. The significance of a democracy is that change happens as per the will of the people, and is generally bloodless.

Even if blood does not flow, there is bound to be a copious spray of spittle! The foam and bluster of these past weeks – in which every political party is implicated – makes it clear that before the next election, we need to equip ourselves with an umbrella!

The kaleidoscope of Indian life turned even more colourful in the run-up to the elections. We have seen film stars twirling their moustaches and sanyasis flexing their muscles. There have been promises galore: writing off loans, providing livelihoods and free healthcare (which, of course, includes free alcohol). Epithets have been bandied about freely: from Aurangzeb to Mogambo, chowkidar to chor, and from Anarkali to bhrashtachaari. Wives and fathers have not been exempt from the volley of invectives and allegations. Despite moments of humour, there has been more toxicity than jocularity, more heat than light in this rant.

Let’s abandon the viciousness, and return to basic tenets of dignity and courtesy. Why carry election rhetoric into the daily lexicon of our lives? Remember that an election has been fought to uphold one of the oldest civilisations on the planet. Both victor and vanquished should work together to usher in an ethos that befits the refined and inclusive culture that we have inherited.

With all her contradictions, India is surging ahead to claim a prime position not merely as an economy, but as one of the great crucibles of wisdom in the world. It is time for both those in office and those in the opposition to put aside all their grievances, stop the rhetorical blame game, and conduct themselves in a manner that befits the representatives of this great land.

The essence of spiritual process is inclusiveness. While it is important to play the game and to take stands when necessary, it is imperative never to lose sight of this fundamental truth: separateness is a myth. Krishna was a great example of this ability to engage in life’s lila, without ever losing his inclusive vision. In an election, as in sport, someone has to lose. The result does not matter; what matters is that you stood for the nation. Your business is now to make sure you take that spirit of service ahead.

The time for divisive drama, for rage and rhetoric, is over. It is time to look beyond narrow sectarian and party affiliations and commit to working for the future of the nation. The winners should conduct themselves with humility, and the losers should accept the verdict gracefully without abandoning their commitment to work for national betterment.

Gandhiji said, “Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side.” It is time to listen without turning reactive. It is time to look inward and look ahead. Let us not trivialise the democratic process by looking back in anger and resentment. Rage and resentment are poisons that you drink, expecting someone else to die. It is time to put an end to the age-old patterns of assigning blame outward or heavenward. Only then can we collectively move from rhetoric to responsibility.

Follow Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation at speakingtree.in