For example, cattle suffer from the cowpox virus, but appear to have a species immunity to the closely related smallpox viruses, whereas in humans, smallpox is a deadly disease while cowpox is a mild localised skin infection. Humans are susceptible to the HIV virus, but most of our related primates are immune to HIV, though they do suffer from HIV-like viruses to which we appear to be immune.

The bat coronavirus, quite surprisingly, underwent a mutation [tweaking of its genetic code to modify its antigenic structure] in a highly specific, intelligent and programmed manner. Two highly specific surface antigens that prevented its entry into the human host cells inexplicably altered themselves in a manner that opened the gateway to the cells of mankind and his nemesis.

Conspiracy theories and speculations

There’s been endless speculation and the conspiracy theorists are having a field day about the origins of this zoonotic [originating from other species] disease.

Could this be the hand of God, or then the machination of an eccentric scientist working at the behest of a regime that will stop at nothing in its relentless pursuit of wealth and power? It’s nearly impossible for anyone to know the truth. The fact remains that the Pandora’s Box was opened, and the question of who opened it is totally superfluous.

Is this the World war III?

Whichever way the mutation might have occurred—whether spontaneously or genetically engineered in the lab—it does seem to be an act of retribution. By the “almighty” if spontaneous or then by the worst enemy of mankind—man himself. This pandemic has metamorphosed into a war, possibly World War III.

The earlier two world wars were also mired in stories of vendetta, but they were limited to the destructive capabilities of the armamentarium of the aggressors. The armamentarium of this war, though, is limitless; the virus can multiply ad infinitum, and has no known antidote. It is loosening the soil into which the roots of existence were firmly anchored. It is a silent, merciless predator, that destroys not just the lungs of the victim but the lungs of civilization—the economy.

As things stand, we are powerless against this act of vengeance. An ultra-microscopic strand of DNA, that has the genetic program to exterminate the entire human species—it is really hard to comprehend and imagine.

The road ahead

The road ahead looks bleak and fraught with grave dangers. A war with no end. A war that ridicules the stockpiles of arms and renders them totally impotent. A war that will be fought by a brigade in white. A task force, that works in the microscopic domain.

A war, where protection is not afforded by deep underground bunkers but by a thin veil of impenetrability at the level of microns. This microbe has certainly rendered futile the advances and accomplishments of technology. It has forced mankind on the back foot and firmly rubbished claims of its abilities to control and subjugate the environment. This just might be a quantum virus, the likes of which we have never encountered before. Quantum because it is simultaneously inflicting both mind and matter. Also because it has reduced mankind to a Shrodinger’s cat—simultaneously dead and alive.

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“Laughter,” says Dr Bradley Wilde [USA], “provides a rhythmic movement of the abdominal muscles, gently massages the intestinal organs, improves digestion and blood circulation.”

In the Harvard and Yale Universities of America and at the University of California Los Angeles’s Neuro-psychiatric Institute at West Los Angeles, neuro-biologists and medical researchers have confirmed that smiling, laughing and cheerful expressions set in motion happy waves in the mind and generate neuropeptides that revitalize the immune system. This helps prevent and fight disease. People who stay away from negative thoughts and emotions such as jealousy, envy or greed, are healthier than those who live cloistered, unhappy lives.

Why you should laugh more

Many modern hospitals and clinics display messages like: “Laugh your way to health”, “Laughter may be hazardous to your illness” and “Cheerfulness is the new wonder drug”.

Doctors are of the view that our blood molecules contain receptors that get signals from the brain. If a person is happy and content, the receptors transmit signals of happiness, and healing is accelerated. Modern science has discovered that the more you laugh, the healthier you become. Science has even established that cheerful physicians are more effective than grumpy, serious doctors as patients respond better to them.

Cheerfulness is the greatest lubricant of the wheels of life. It diminishes pain, fights disease, mitigates misfortunes, lightens burdens and eases one’s life.

The importance of cheerfulness

A young girl, suffering from a dreaded disease, was brought to a hospital. When she was being prepared to be taken to the operation theatre, she found the nurses sad and glum. “I know what you are thinking,” she said to the nurses. “But, let me tell you, I am not going to die so soon. God has other plans for me. I have spoken to Him and that is what He has told me.” When she was taken to the operation theatre, she kidded the doctors, until she came under the influence of the anaesthesia. The doctors opened her up and found that cancer had spread so extensively, that it was no use performing the operation. So they stitched her up.

When she regained consciousness, she was told that she has only 3 – 6 months to live. She was advised to restrict her movements and live a relaxed, activity-free life.

The young woman was not taken in. “I have long cherished a desire to visit Switzerland,” she said. “And even if it takes the life out of me, I will do it! Switzerland is known as the heaven on earth. Before I visit God’s heaven, let me see the beauty of the earthly heaven to be able to compare the two and decide which one is better.”

The doctors did all they could to dissuade her. “The strain of the trip will kill you,” they said to her. But she remained adamant, and guess what? Both the travel and the climate did her good. When she set out, she had to be taken in a wheelchair; when she returned, she walked with a straight gait, and a rose-tint on her cheeks. The doctors were amazed. Till this day she lives a happy life and bears testimony to the fact that if you live cheerfully, not focusing your attention on disease and illness, health and strength, vigour and vitality will be yours. Cheerfulness is a virtue that has enormous value in your daily life.

Cheerfulness is therapeutic

There would be no need for hospitals if only people could be happy and light-hearted!

Two years ago, on the sacred day of Muharram, they took me to Imam Bara. There, I met a man who went by the name Mr Agha. He said to me: “Your people, I am aware, do a lot of service. But, I too, in my own humble way, render service to people.”

“What do you do?” I asked him.

“I appear on the TV, and make people laugh!”

How true! Those who make people laugh, also serve. Many of us have forgotten the ancient art of laughing.

Cheerfulness is therapeutic, indeed.

How to stay cheerful — simple and effective ways

I wish to share with you a few practical suggestions on how a person can keep up the spirit of cheerfulness.

Start your day on a happy note

Wake up in the morning with a smile on your face and the words, “Good morning, Lord!” on your lips. These words are from the title of a book written several years ago by an American businessman. He has been waking up this way for many years and says that doing merely this much has added a new dimension to his life. You can tweak this affirmation in your own way, so long as it ensures that your day starts on a happy note.

Look at the bright side

Always look at the bright side of things. Everything has two sides, the bright and the dark or as I wish to put it, the bright and the less bright. But it is the way you look at it that matters. Optimism is a powerful ally of cheerfulness.

Laugh heartily at least thrice a day

Get a hearty laugh at least three times a day—once before breakfast, once before lunch and once before dinner. If you find it difficult to laugh for no reason, look into the mirror and make funny faces at yourself. Or read/watch something funny.

The takeaway

Cheerfulness is indeed a physical, mental and spiritual tonic. By striving to be cheerful, you are not only adding joy and love to your own life but also making this world a more joyful place, one cheer at a time.

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