Why People Do Bad Things?

WHY PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS?

After witnessing such a sad scene, I returned to my friend's stall where Anant was sitting patiently. After thanking him and buying some fruits and vegetables we left. On our way, we met many soldiers who were patrolling the area since the main bazaar was a crowded place.

"Dad, what happened there?" asked Anant his gaze straight ahead.

"Why do you care? You are just a child. You shouldn't worry about these things," I replied.

"I am not worried… I just wanted to know," he said.

I looked at him, his gaze still straight ahead. But he looked sad.

"Well… the man didn't make it," I said with hesitation.

"..."

"Are you sad?" I asked him worryingly.

"Why people do these kinds of things? Isn't it common sense that killing someone is bad? Then why people still do these bad stuffs and then easily get away with it?" he said with a sorrowful face. He really does think a lot for his age.

"It's the mind," I replied. "Mind is the root cause of all the evils that a person does."

"Mind?" Anant looked at me with a confused face.

"You know we have five senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch, right?"

"Yeah, but what are you trying to say?" he asked not understanding my words.

"These five senses are known as 'Indriya' and one who has them all under their control is considered the noblest of men."

"But why one who has mastered them is considered noble?" he asked. He had the same expression of whenever he tries to learn something.

"Anant, you were asking why humans do terrible things. It is because they don't have control over their senses rather; the senses have full control over them, and it is these senses that makes them do bad things."

"Then how can we have control over our senses?" he asked with a curious face.

"Control your mind. Make him your friend. Our Indriya do things what our mind tells them to do. So, if you have full control over your mind, you will automatically have full control over your senses," I replied.

He pondered over my words for few minutes, then asked, "Do you have full control over your mind?" 

"Hahaha, of course not. One who has control over their mind treats happiness and sadness alike and I am far from it. But— always remember these words— 'For one who has conquered his mind, a mind is best of friends, but for one who has failed to do so, a mind is the greatest enemy.'

"Yes, I will keep that in my mind," he replied.

"One more thing, know the difference between right and wrong and always have the courage of doing virtuous deeds even in the face of grim times. A truth is never destroyed, so you shouldn't be afraid of doing good." He nodded in reply with a stern face.

I hope I taught him something valuable today. After this, we talked about other light-hearted things and reached home in no time.