But some people find it hard to accept as they are too cynical in approach

There is a verse in the Bhagavad-Geeta, that goes like this, “After efforts of many births, a yogi in the end becomes wise, and he takes My shelter. A great soul, who considers Lord Vasudeva thus as everything is very rare.” (7.19) Lord Krishna spoke this verse. I have been reading the Geeta for more than three decades. I kind of didn’t take this verse seriously, because its purport did not sink in. Now having many experiences in this regard, I am beginning to have faith in God’s words.

I will share some experiences with my readers. I will take up a few verses and explain how they made sense to me; and how I experienced the veracity of them. The first one has to be verse # 7.16, “Four kinds of virtuous people worship Me. These are a distressed person, an inquisitive man, a seeker of wealth and a wise person.” I have been highly distressed, with many kinds of fears, anxieties, etc. Finding no relief elsewhere, I turned to God with some sincerity. My initial reaction was somewhat mixed. Maybe God was helping, maybe nothing like this was happening. Having exhausted all other options, I pursued. Gradually, I began to find the connection between my prayers and what relief I was getting. Surely, I was attracted to the other part of the quoted verse about becoming a seeker of wealth. There was some evidence that God was being generous to me. Wasn’t Sanjay quite convinced about it, when he said, “Where there is the Yogeshwar Shri Krishna and where there is the archer Arjuna, there will be opulence, victory, wealth and morality (dharma). This is my view.” (18.78) It gradually became my view also, as I benefitted.

Now greedy for more, I sought guidance from God. Is He not omniscient? Wouldn’t He know everything? This will eliminate my endless search for answers. Lord Krishna promised this, “From Me only memory, knowledge and removal of delusion takes place.” (15.15) Surely, guidance in the form of instructions, and advice from near and dear ones, who act as mediums of God, began to become available. And I started to taste what was promised, “By being especially kind to them, I, situated within, destroy the darkness, born of ignorance, by the shining lamp of knowledge. (10.11)

Over some time, I began to get out of trouble, because God, was helping, which Lord Krishna has promised, “Having My consciousness, you will cross all impediments by My grace.” (18.58) Buoyed by such success, I focused on becoming more conscious, as instructed in verse #18.65, “Develop My consciousness; become My devotee; make sacrifices for Me; and offer obeisance to Me.” Patiently, I started doing these spiritual practices. It wasn’t easy because they went against my nature, which was for lusty enjoyment. Taking the next step was still more difficult, which was “Take My shelter only.” (18.66) God has left no doubt what is needed to be done, which is, “In all respects take shelter of Him (God) only.

So, what should we conclude? There is too much evidence believe that God is everything. But it is hard for just anyone to accept this fact; this has to be realized over a long period. That is why Lord Krishna has stated that such a soul is very rare. One has to have faith and get started. The other option is not to accept. Then, one loses what all God can give, which is a lot in this place of misery. I will continue the way I am progressing I believe in, “Whatever you do; whatever you eat; whatever offering you make; whatever you give in charity; whatever austerities you perform, you do that as an offering to Me.” (9.27) Who controls ‘karmaphalas’ (results of our acts)? God of course.

(The writer is a spiritual guide; views are personal)