In Hindu Dharma, the gods are not merely cosmic figures; they embody profound truths about life, responsibility, and human nature. Among these gods, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are particularly known for their kindness and willingness to grant boons to anyone who performs intense penance, whether that person is a noble sage or a power-hungry asura (demon). However, this divine compassion has a significant flaw: they rarely say “No”. This absence of the word “No” has repeatedly brought the world to the brink of destruction.
When Boons Became Curses
The history found in our Puranas is filled with examples of powerful beings who received divine blessings and then used their power to spread fear, destruction, and chaos.
One notable example is Ravana, the fearsome king of Lanka, who received powerful boons from Lord Shiva, making him nearly invincible. Fueled by his inflated ego and unmatched strength, he terrorized sages, enslaved celestial beings, and even attempted to lift Mount Kailash. His tyranny ultimately prompted Lord Vishnu to incarnate as Lord Ram in order to restore Dharma.
Another example is Bhasmasura, who was granted a boon by Shiva that allowed him to burn anyone to ashes by simply touching their head. Drunk with power, he attempted to use this ability on Shiva himself, forcing Shiva to flee. It was only through Vishnu’s cunning disguise as Mohini that Bhasmasura was tricked into destroying himself.
Many other asuras received powerful boons from Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, which they later used for the destruction of humanity and the planet. These stories serve as a reminder that divine generosity, when given without discernment, can empower evil, and the consequences can be catastrophic for both humanity and Earth.
Why Saying “No” Matters in Life
In our daily lives, many of us struggle to say “no.” Whether at work, in friendships, in family obligations, or during social interactions, we often feel compelled to agree to requests—even when doing so harms us, enables negative behavior, or leads to burnout. Just as the universe suffered when boons were granted to demons without discernment, our personal world suffers when we fail to establish healthy boundaries. True wisdom lies in recognizing who or what deserves our time, energy, and help. Kindness does not equate to foolishness.
Saying “no” is not rejection—it’s redirection. Sometimes, a “no” is the most compassionate answer. It prevents harm, redirects someone toward personal growth, and keeps the greater good in focus. Even the gods, with all their powers, had to deal with the consequences of their choices. So how much more important is it for us, as humans, to be wise with ours?
What We Must Learn
- Boundaries are essential, even in love and compassion.
- Kindness without judgment can be dangerous.
- Saying “No” is not always selfish.
Let us draw inspiration from Lord Shiva’s grace and Lord Brahma’s creativity, but most importantly, let us embrace Lord Vishnu’s wisdom—because restoring balance is far more challenging than maintaining it. In a world where being agreeable is often celebrated, remember that even the gods demonstrate through their stories that blind generosity can become a curse. We are often taught to be agreeable, to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings, and to be endlessly giving. However, saying ‘No’—when it protects truth, justice, and balance—is Dharma itself.