As I opened my mailbox today, I found a fable in a post in Hindi, which I have reworded and presented below in English.
The Fable of the King’s Feast
Once upon a time, a king organized a grand feast for the Brahmins to honour their wisdom and service. As preparations were underway, a kite soared high above, clutching a poisonous snake in its beak. The snake, in a desperate attempt to escape, spewed venom that inadvertently fell into the food being cooked. Unbeknownst to the cooks, the tainted food was served, and it tragically killed all the Brahmins present.
The news spread like wildfire, but not for the reasons you might think. A woman, hearing of the incident, began warning others to avoid the King’s feasts, claiming, “The King serves food that kills.” Though the King had no malicious intent, his reputation was irreparably tarnished, and no one dared to attend his feasts again.
When the case reached Chitragupta, the divine record-keeper of sins, a moral dilemma arose. Should the sin be assigned to the King, whose feast inadvertently caused deaths? Or to the snake, who acted in self-defence? Or to the woman, whose gossip caused widespread fear and ruin? After much deliberation, Chitragupta decided to hold the woman accountable, for she derived pleasure from spreading misinformation.
Strong Puranic Advice Against Gossip
The profound lesson from the fable of the King’s Feast is clear: gossip can be a great sin, and its consequences can be devastating. But does this imply that all gossip is inherently sinful? Let’s explore this nuanced topic further.
In one of my previous blogs, “The Lure of Sips of Gossip,” we delved into the positive and negative outcomes of gossip. If gossip were truly a sin under all circumstances, how would revered Sage Narada have initiated Dhruva into devotion to Lord Vishnu? When Dhruva’s father neglected him at the behest of his stepmother, it was Narada’s intervention that guided the young prince to perform intense penance. This devotion ultimately made Dhruva immortal and earned him the celestial title of Dhruv Tara, the Pole Star.
Similarly, if gossip were always sinful, how do we interpret the actions of the Devas in the Puranas? They often shared strategic information while fighting the Asuras, using such tactics to protect humanity and restore balance in the universe.
These examples highlight that gossip, like any tool or act, has two faces: one that can harm and another that can uplift, enlighten, or even save. The intent and context behind gossip are what define its moral standing.
The Dual Faces of Gossip
While gossip is often condemned in scriptures and societies, not all of it is malicious. Sometimes, it serves as a balm for the soul, a bridge between generations, or even a tool for preserving harmony. Let me illustrate this with a personal anecdote.
My 93-year-old mother suffers from dementia. Her mind lives in a past where her parents are still alive. Whenever we visit her, she lovingly asks about their well-being. Telling her the truth—that her parents passed away long ago—would shatter her fragile world and perhaps accelerate her decline. So, I choose a different path. I weave a gentle tale, reassuring her that her parents are doing well. Her face lights up, and she is at peace. Is this a lie? Yes. Is it harmful? No. In fact, I believe it’s an act of compassion, a form of positive gossip that sustains her happiness.
Sometimes even Governments resort to Gossip. Think of a situation, if right in the beginning of Corona epidemic, the Government of India had truthfully talked about the uncertainty and demoralised the masses. A gradual disclosure, with slow adaptation and development of a vaccine was a far better approach to fight the epidemic keeping the morale of masses high!
The Power of Intent
Gossip, like any human act, is shaped by intent. Harmful gossip, driven by malice or the desire to sensationalize, can destroy reputations, relationships, and lives—just like in the case of the woman in the fable. Conversely, harmless or even beneficial gossip can bring comfort, foster connections, and sometimes preserve a loved one’s peace of mind.
In another blog, “India’s Age-Old Apathy: From Sacred Prasadam to Child Nutrition,” I referenced an article from India Today discussing a case from 1978-1980. During this period, beef tallow was knowingly imported as a cheaper alternative to vegetable oil. This was part of an initiative following the recommendations of a committee led by Dr. P.C. Alexander, then commerce secretary. The government liberalized procedures, opting to publish only lists of banned and restricted items, which inadvertently allowed widespread use of beef tallow in oils.
This insensitivity to the religious and cultural beliefs of the Indian populace caused significant uproar. In my opinion, this type of calculated gossip—deliberate misinformation or omission—is deeply harmful. It holds successive governments, from Chaudhury Charan Singh’s administration to later Congress governments, accountable for disregarding long-held cultural and religious sentiments. Such deliberate acts of gossip, intended to deceive or manipulate, are unequivocally unacceptable.
A Balanced Perspective
The moral isn’t to avoid all gossip but to be mindful of its consequences. Ask yourself: Does this gossip build or break? Does it bring joy or pain? Does it serve truth or sow falsehoods?
Next time you’re tempted to share a piece of gossip, consider its ripple effects. Like the woman in the fable, you might not foresee the harm it causes. Or, like the gentle stories told to my mother, your words might bring solace and joy. The choice is yours, and so are the consequences.
So, go on with your gossip—but let it be harmless, kind, and, whenever possible, uplifting.
Conclusion
Gossip is as ancient as humanity itself—a double-edged sword that can either uplift or destroy. The fable of the King’s Feast reminds us of the devastating consequences of malicious gossip, while anecdotes and historical examples highlight its potential for compassion and positive impact when wielded wisely.
The key lies in the intent behind the words we share. Harmful gossip, born out of malice or a thirst for sensationalism, must be avoided at all costs. It corrodes trust, damages reputations, and, as we’ve seen, can leave lasting scars. On the other hand, gossip shared with kindness, care, or strategic purpose—whether to protect, reassure, or preserve harmony—can be a force for good.
As we navigate the delicate balance of communication, let’s pause to reflect on the power our words carry. Can they bring peace, joy, or insight? Or will they breed discord, fear, or misunderstanding? The responsibility lies with each of us to choose wisely.
So, go on with your gossip—but ensure it is rooted in empathy, driven by truth, and aimed at upliftment. In a world brimming with noise, let your words stand apart as beacons of kindness and understanding.
Inspire Positivity 