What if I do not naturally have faith?
Scriptures say that faith is the first step towards practicing devotion to God (आदौ श्रद्धा). Vedas are saying that we should sing devotional songs, chant God's name and serve God and Guru with faith. But what if I do not have faith?
Those who do not have faith fall in three categories
Scriptures say that there is an order of steps for progressing on the path of bhakti;
Those who do not have faith fall in three categories
- Those who have not heard much about God.
- Then there are those who have heard about God, but have no faith in Him.
- Lastly, there are those who have faith in God, but their faith continues to waiver, between having faith at one time and doubt at the very next.
Scriptures say that there is an order of steps for progressing on the path of bhakti;
आदौ श्रद्धा ततः साधुसङ्गोऽथभजनक्रिया ततोऽनार्थनिवृत्तिस्यात्ततो निष्ठा रुचिस्तथा
Ādau śrad'dhā tataḥ sādhusaṅgō̕thabhajanakriyā tatō̕nārthanivr̥ttisyāttatō niṣṭhā rucistathā
Ādau śrad'dhā tataḥ sādhusaṅgō̕thabhajanakriyā tatō̕nārthanivr̥ttisyāttatō niṣṭhā rucistathā
1. Faith (श्रद्धा)
2. Association of a saint (साधुसङ्गो)
3. Practicing devotion (भजनक्रिया)
4. Dissolution of bad karmas (ततोऽनार्थनिवृत्ति)
5. Loving sentiments (निष्ठा)
6. Natural interest (रुचि)
There are some people whose minds are so full of doubt and distrust, that even if the creator Brahma would manifest himself to grant them knowledge about God, they would still remain unconvinced. Do they have no way to escape from their predicament? Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the 5th original Jagadguru in the history of India, reassures that there is a way even for these people to develop faith.
Shri Maharaj Ji says, that even if a person is devoid of faith in God and is determined to not listen to anything related to God, there is still hope, provided he makes an effort to keep attending the assembly of a genuine Saint. The saint will secretly impart to to the aspirant the knowledge, regarding the true aim of life, how to attain that ultimate aim and realize God.
One day when his good Sanskars (Impression of past life) arise, the teachings and knowledge granted by the Saint will instill faith in his mind and he will start practicing the path of devotion laid out by the Saint and one day attain the true aim of his life.
2. Association of a saint (साधुसङ्गो)
3. Practicing devotion (भजनक्रिया)
4. Dissolution of bad karmas (ततोऽनार्थनिवृत्ति)
5. Loving sentiments (निष्ठा)
6. Natural interest (रुचि)
There are some people whose minds are so full of doubt and distrust, that even if the creator Brahma would manifest himself to grant them knowledge about God, they would still remain unconvinced. Do they have no way to escape from their predicament? Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the 5th original Jagadguru in the history of India, reassures that there is a way even for these people to develop faith.
Shri Maharaj Ji says, that even if a person is devoid of faith in God and is determined to not listen to anything related to God, there is still hope, provided he makes an effort to keep attending the assembly of a genuine Saint. The saint will secretly impart to to the aspirant the knowledge, regarding the true aim of life, how to attain that ultimate aim and realize God.
One day when his good Sanskars (Impression of past life) arise, the teachings and knowledge granted by the Saint will instill faith in his mind and he will start practicing the path of devotion laid out by the Saint and one day attain the true aim of his life.
