We must approach God by exercising our free will, which can be done in multiple ways
Yes, it is not a matter of knowledge. With the advent of the internet, who is not aware of God? But how many pursue this knowledge? Very few to say the least. Why? Because faith comes from interaction with God. We approach God and He responds, otherwise this relationship is a non-starter. A simple example will help. I don’t have any interaction with a particular resident of my neighbourhood. There will be no progress in my relationship with that person. Yes, we must get in touch with God, who limits himself to instruct us through bonafide scriptures, preachers, who have a wide following, etc. We must approach God by exercising our free will. And we can do so in multiple ways like praying to God, going to a temple, chanting God’s name, etc. Every such act is taken notice of by God, who responds appropriately.
To bring clarity to this phenomenon, I will narrate my experience in this connection. The very first thing God notices is our dutifulness. We, human beings, have been given the responsibility of doing our duties according to time, place and circumstances. This is how the creation can go on. Lord Krishna warns that even maintenance of the body will not be possible through inaction. (The Bhagavad-Geeta 3.8) God gets interested in those who are dutiful. The next thing, which impresses God is obeying dharma. After all, dharma is the bedrock on which the creation rests. God even incarnates to re-establish dharma. (4.8) Now such persons are keenly watched because such people become good people. The mode of goodness in them becomes predominant by overpowering the other two modes of passion and darkness. (14.10) If such a person requests help, God is prepared to do so; one just has to sincerely pray for it.
We normally seek help from God in two ways. One is to get out of some trouble and the other is to gain something material like a decent job. What is God’s response? Let us understand one simple rule: God is always just; He couldn’t be favouring someone at the cost of another, as will be in the case of landing a job. However, God can be more generous in case of helping someone to recover from a major illness. In this case, also, God has to determine if the sick person deserves such a favour and how much. But all said and done, God does respond. How much and when is decided by God, as found appropriate by Him. No request for help is ignored; only the quantum and the quality are to be decided.
In one matter, God is more forthcoming, i.e. to guide. If a person is sincerely seeking guidance to do something noble, God will be very keen to help, because being the owner of everything, He must encourage what suits the creation. Don’t we need good people to keep all of us going? God gives the right intelligence, as in the case of medical scientists. If someone is genuinely looking for a medical solution, which can help millions, and the motive is not to encash it to the fullest extent, God will help. What do you think we will do if we were to decide? God gives me spiritual solutions to common problems about which I can write. One may call it realisation as it really helps me personally. What more than any other favour reinforces faith is peace, which we all know is sought by everyone, but only a few manage it.
The conclusion is to approach God in ways, which please Him, about which He has given detailed instructions. Swami Ravi Das was a leatherworker. He had no formal education, but he became a great devotee of God. Knowledge is helpful only as a tool, even spiritual; it must be practised. Spiritual activities take us to a higher level. Therefore, let us get going and link with the owner of the creation. He is waiting and He has plenty to give.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
