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God is
your Refuge and Strength
Hindustan Times
“When faced by adversities, we instinctively look for
succor and relief from our near and dear ones. We rely on our little
self for overcoming the perplexities of life. Our little self often
keeps us under delusion of some sort. Also, we end up relying on mundane
connections. Selfishness holds the key to all mundane relationships. It
is the cause behind the decline of values and virtues and a
preponderance of vices.
Though there are sufficient reasons to turn towards God, we continue
to cling on to the mundane. It proves our ignorance of the immensity of
Divine Grace and the infinite treasure that lies within us to be
recipients of Divine Grace. The choice is essentially between infinite
potency and trifling power. It is not wrong to look for external
remedies. But it is doubtful if these can rid us of our woes. So we have
to ask ourselves whether we want a transient solution or a permanent
remedy? The answer obviously will be the latter. And it is only the
Infinite and Imperishable that can provide a permanent remedy.
Dependence on objects of the material world will invariably disappoint
and can even lead to agonising moments.
The best example of divine assurance is found in the Bhagwad Gita
when Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: "Howsoever big a sinner one is, the
moment he approaches me for help, I absolve him of all sins and make him
a saint. He then attains peace. Such a devotee never falls. Fix your
mind on me, my grace will enable you to surmount all sufferings." These
divine words should prompt us to realize the eternal way to worship God
to obtain his grace.
Incidentally, one of the questions put to Yudhishtra by Yaksha was
about the path of realization of God. The prince replied, "The one and
the same eternal path which all great men pursued to attain the ultimate
aim of human life." Problems arise in our life because we have
pronounced the Supreme Person who is the material cause behind the three
worlds. We foolishly place faith on the ability of our little self and
worldly connections. So long as this little self determines our actions
and priorities, we will continue to suffer in existential misery. In
order to escape this suffering, it is best to take refuge in God.”
God is your Refuge and Strength
Hindustan Times
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