We are programmed

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We are programmed

Sunday, 18 April 2021 | Ajit Kumar Bishnoi

We are programmed

The programming of fear, or that God is not there to protect us, can be changed through faith, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI

We, human beings, are programmed to fear. Why blame God for this? What do we do with our children? We instil discipline in them by scaring them. This process of scaring into submission is reinforced throughout one’s life. If a growing child is not paying proper attention to his studies, his parents may paint a very dark picture of his future. Then, there is law to be afraid of for everyone. As a result, we are all insecure without exception. The thought of insecurity comes regularly, which makes us careful, cautious and fearful.

In short, we are programmed to be insecure. How else can a world with its seven billions plus population coexist? This is the cosmic design, which is to stop us from acting irresponsibly by being fearful. Unknowingly, we contribute to instil fear in others.

This is not all, we are also programmed to think that in spite of all the talk about God, if He exists at all, will not protect us. What good is God to us if, He will not protect us. Is our security not a major concern for us. This feeling is a big factor in people not having faith in God. On the other hand, we are told that God will punish us if we stray, though this is factually incorrect, because giving punishment is done by divine authorities, based on our bad/sinful acts. God stays away from such administration of justice except in rare cases like that of Ravana. At that time, God chooses to perform many functions like re-establishing dharma. (Bhagavad Gita 4.7) This programming is also part of the cosmic design.

There are two kinds of people in the world — those born with predominantly divine and demonic qualities. (16.6) There is always friction between them. The demonic try to cause harm to the world by their cruel acts. (16.9) Those with divine endowments are crucial for the proper functioning of the world. That is why God and His divine establishment favour them. There are three categories of such divine souls. The first one consists of just good people, who do mostly good acts not wanting to harm anyone.

The next or higher lot is of good people, who also do public service. For this reason, God does intervene in their cases by protecting them by extricating them from harmful situations, caused by their bad acts done earlier. Remember, these souls must have erred like the rest of us human beings. God has to help out; He does. God does much more for His devotees — the highest category He puts them in the “yogakshemam” group — (9.22). God helps in getting what one does not have and provides security of what one has. This is how the two higher groups of people are assured of not ending up badly (6.40) or never perishing. (9.31)

So what did we learn? That the programming of being fearful or having the feeling that God will not protect does not have to be permanently inched into us, it can be changed. However, there are conditions, as mentioned earlier. If we have qualified, then, we need not be so fearful or anxious; we can come to the level of being cautious, careful, etc., which is necessary for our own good. This is when peace descends. One knows in his heart that he is never alone and helpless; God is with Him. (6.7) He enjoys God’s protection. God is real; He is no longer a figment of imagination.

Every time a fearful thought comes in the mind then one thinks that he is not alone; God is with him; He will protect. Gradually, the earlier programming will change from negative to positive and life will be much better.

Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com

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