Performing welfare acts ensures no downfall in this or next world
Is God interested in us? Yes, very much so. Because we, souls, are His parts. (The Bhagavad-Geeta 15.7) But it depends on where we are placed in the human hierarchy. From what I have learnt, we can classify all humans into six main categories. Starting from the top, devotees of God are most dear to God. Lord Krishna States, “I am similarly inclined towards all beings; no one is hateful for me and no one is dear. However, those who worship Me with devotion, they are in Me and I am also in them.” (9.29) This means that devotees of God have God in their hearts and similarly, God keeps them in His heart. Good examples of great devotees of God are Adi Shankaracharya and Vivekananda. What does God do for them? He liberates them. Such persons preach what they have learnt and realised. Lord Krishna States, “No one other than him among men pleases Me more and there will be no one other than him who is dear to Me on the earth. (18.68-69)
The next category is God’s ‘nimitta’ (instruments), as Arjuna was. What do they do? They carry out God’s instructions, as Arjuna did, by fighting to uphold dharma. What does God do for them? He becomes ‘karta’ (doer) in their lives. (11.33) And they are rewarded with heaven after death. But they must return to earth after exhausting their pious karmas (acts). (9.21) The third category of human beings is social workers, those engaged in the welfare of others. Lord Krishna has cited the example of King Janaka in the Bhagavad-Geeta in this connection. (3.20) There are many in the recent past like Hanuman Prasad Poddar.
The fourth category is good people, those mostly in the mode of goodness. Such persons have brightness and knowledge in all their senses; they are always doing what is right with their minds and senses. (14.11) Then come philanthropists, who are kind enough to donate. What they feel they should do is help others, who are not so blessed. Such people not only bring up the deprived but also in some ways follow Lord Krishna’s instruction to not be so attached to the fruits of action. (18.9) Such actions ensure good karmaphalas in their next birth, which help them to be pleasant. The fifth category comprises common people, primarily driven by passion, living to survive. They constitute the foundational fabric of society, reincarnating repeatedly.
God is very interested in the first three categories, as detailed in the Geeta. Highly advanced devotees are freed from the painful cycle of birth and death. (12.7) Imagine being in the womb of a mother for nine long months where there is hardly any movement and of course no interaction. Exalted individuals embody God consciousness, dedicating themselves primarily to spiritual acts and preaching. God selects those inclined to serve humanity, nurturing them from youth. Such souls are protected from self-destructive behaviors, guided onto virtuous paths. Social workers follow, benefiting humanity, assured by God: “Performing welfare acts ensures no downfall in this or the next world.” God empowers all those who are good and mean well. For example, if someone wishes to invent something, which will benefit mankind, God helps him, because the source is God only. Preachers are helped by providing the needed knowledge. Many famous writers have admitted that God dictates and they write. Help is extended to those aiding others, akin to ‘Siddha purushas’ (exalted beings). Spiritual fundraisers also gain empowerment. How else can mortals amass billions? God, impartial yet partial to surrendered devotees, keeps them in mind. Then, dharma is very dear to God, because dharma is the bedrock upon which His creation rests.
The conclusion is: you start taking shelter from God or at least be desirous to help others. God will take note of you. Then, the sky is the limit, as detailed herein.
(The writer is a spiritual guide; views are personal)
