A soul must be in a position to gain what one lacks. And God fulfills this need either directly, or through His system, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI

This is not my conjecture. Lord Krishna tells us to always decide, what should be done and what shouldn’t after knowing what is stated in our scriptures. They should be our guidelines. (Bhagavad Gita 16.24) And what has been stated in the Gita? It is the wonderful dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna (18.76) From time immemorial the mankind has taken guidance from Lord Krishna’s instruction as detailed in the Gita.

I will quote God’s guidance in matters, which are among the most important to us. Let me take up intelligence first because the right intelligence is what we need to do anything well. There are four parts to it. (18.30) The first is to know what is worth doing and what is not. For example, should you pay attention to rumours or spread them yourself? The answer is no. The second is to know what is to be feared and what not. For example, should we fear our future? No, if we are connected with God; He will ensure a safe future for us (18.58)

The third guideline is to know what is attachment and what is relinquishment. If one doesn’t one will endure pain like when one is attached to the result. Similarly, relinquishing what shouldn’t like family duties brings punishment. And the last is to know what causes bondage and what is liberating. This is important in our quest for liberation at some point in the future.

The next important guidance is about our duties. The Lord has made it quite clear that duties, that is as per time, place and circumstance must be done. Otherwise even maintenance of the body will become difficult. (3.8) What is our experience? We qualify for God’s help only when we are dutiful. Isn’t there a famous saying that God helps those who help themselves. One may question this premise that if we can help ourselves, then, why do we need God’s help? Because we are limited and can go only so far, God the unlimited has to step in and take us further.

Next, I must address both peace and happiness, the most sought after goals. The Lord has left us in no doubt about what is required to be done. He states, “One must have God consciousness, otherwise there is no peace, and from where could there be any happiness.” (2.66) Happiness obtained by the contact between senses and sense objects is like poison in result. (18.38) And happiness obtained through laziness or carelessness is even worse. (18.39)

How does one achieve God consciousness? Both the factors earlier mentioned come into play. We need proper intelligence, that is spiritual intelligence and being dutiful, especially towards ourselves, that is the soul. As a soul, it is our duty to link with God, because we are His parts. (15.7) We are quite helpless without God, being extremely small. To live a good life, we need all kinds of help from God. We need God’s guidance because He is omniscient and our awareness is limited. We also need all kinds of strength such as atmabala — the inner strength, physical strength, mental strength, strength to tolerate, etc. God must protect us including from ourselves, because invariably we are our worst enemies.

I pray to God when I am faced with a problem. I immediately seek His guidance and help, and He provides. This facility is open to one and all, because this is the cosmic design. A small soul must be in a position to gain what one lacks. God does fulfill this need of ours either directly (9.22) or through His system. (9.10) All those who aspire to live a quality life shouldn’t miss out, otherwise life can be quite tough — a normal experience.

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