Each problem is unique in itself and requires specific attention, believes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Some people, especially those who have read some scriptures, have the wrong impression that all problems have spiritual solutions. This is a false assumption as you will see from the following examples. Some problems have material solutions only, while some others have spiritual solutions only, and some are two-dimensional and their solutions have both material as well as spiritual contents.
let us start with the problems which have material solutions only. The following well-known story illustrates this nicely. A boy, studying in gurukul, lost interest in the way things were progressing at a slow pace. He thought of a novel way to master all education by doing tapasya and pleasing the lord. Therefore, he escaped from the gurukul and went to the bank of River Ganges and sat in tapasya. After a while, God took notice of him and came, and began to throw sand into the river making quite a splash. The boy heard it and opened his eyes. After surveying the scene, he asked, “What are you doing and what do you intend to achieve by doing thisIJ” The lord had this to say, “What are you doing here sitting in tapasyaIJ One cannot obtain education by this process, just as a bridge cannot be built by throwing sand into a river.”Similarly, earning money for
one’s maintenance requires application not tapasya. Muscle building requires exercise. Winning a team game is not possible by praying. It is won by playing better.
Now let us go to the problems which have only spiritual solutions. I will tell a short story in this connection also. A saint sat in samadhi. After a long time, God appeared and enquired from him about his desire. The saint replied, “I wish to live in this body forever.” The lord replied, “Such a wish cannot be granted. The proper way will be to follow spiritual instructions and qualify for liberation. Then, you will be freed from the cycle of birth and death.”
Similarly, the following problems have spiritual solutions only. If we really wish to know God, we need to take his shelter and follow his instructions. Then only he will reveal himself. God realisation comes only by doing the prescribed spiritual practices. It never comes by arguing, asking for proof of existence of God, etc. Peace of mind and, consequently, happiness comes only by a good connection with God, just as help from God comes.
Finally, let us go to problems which have twin solutions, ie both spiritual as well as material, and both processes must be pursued. However, the material process must come first, and only then the spiritual part comes into play.
For example, a person is terminally sick. Naturally, relatives and friends will be greatly troubled. This requires immediate medical attention in order to give the patient relief from pain, etc. Then, comes the spiritual part, ie the body dies not the soul. Such sickness is only changes in the bodies and nothing else. The patient has to be apprised of all this.
How does one cure the problem of anxietyIJ To begin with, the material solution should be sought and implemented and, then only, the problem should be left to God for help. Similarly, getting rid of bad habits requires application first and, then, help from God should be requested. In all these instances, dutifulness comes first before approaching God for help. That is the basic requirement to qualify for God’s help.
Now we can summarise. Each problem has to be assessed properly to know what kind of solution will work. Each problem is unique in itself and requires specific attention. Neither all problems have material solutions, not all problems have spiritual solutions. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
