Let us not succumb to peer pressure

Peer pressure refers to the power of a large group to convince an individual or members of the group to act in a certain way.

- Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

This power is used to make people buy a certain product, dress in a particular style or engage in certain behaviours. When people take steps on the spiritual journey and focus their attention on God, others in their circle of friends and family not interested in such goals may pressure them to stop leading a godly life and to be like the rest of them.

We may be trying to lead an ethical life. We try to be nonviolent, truthful and humble and to do selfless service to help others. Yet each time we take a step forward in any of these areas, we may be teased and taunted so that we do something unethical to please others. Pressure is applied on us to give up our ethical ways and act 'normal' again. The majority succumb to peer pressure and act in ways that violate the principles of ethical living. Others do not want us to be too good, as it makes them look bad. They pressurise us to violate the principles of nonviolence, humility and selfless service.

If they are picking on someone and we do not join in because we do not want to hurt anyone's feelings, they pressurise us to be like them and say hurtful things to others. If we are truthful and do not participate in any lies, they make us feel like there is something wrong with us.