AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI suggests some methods through which we can be of service to God and mankind
The first step in this endeavour is to do at least some of the spiritual practices. We have multiple choices, some of which are detailed as follows. Praying to God — Such prayers must be sincere and what we ask should be richly deserved. Worshiping God — This ancient practice is highly beneficial to please God and to develop faith in Him. Singing or hearing bhajans — This spiritual practice is as old as civilisation probably. Chanting God’s names or words like Aum — This practice gives enormous benefits because we are calling God, which pleases Him to no end.
Meditation — We all meditate about some subject or other. It is time we spent some time meditating about God. This, by the way, is similar to the highest stage of samadhi. Hearing about God from genuinely spiritual personalities — By hearing from them, their realisations about God rub on us; we benefit immensely. As it is, it is difficult to develop faith in God; this practice really helps. Talking to similar-minded persons about God is highly recommended.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, lord Krishna extols its virtues. (10.9) Asking questions about God-related topics — This is a readymade way to gain more knowledge about God and clearing our doubts about Him. Remembering God — Almost everyone remembers God when in trouble and when no other option is left; we should remember God in good times also, which is highly beneficial. Surrendering to God — This ensures that God will take charge of us; where else can we gain such securityIJ Watching genuinely spiritual programmes like Mahabharata serial or a movie about Shankarachaya. This practice is good entertainment also and one does not have to feel guilty about spending time thus.
The next step is to do some service which will please God. Spreading God’s message as detailed in bona fide scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita is an excellent service to God. This spreading of God’s message can be done by direct preaching to the devout or writing spiritual articles for publication in renowned newspapers and magazines. This can also be nicely achieved by writing spiritual books for wide circulation. We can do some philanthropic activities in the mood of compassion and humility, without being judgmental. lastly, we can serve others too.
The third and the most effective way is to look for signs of God’s mercy on us. God does so in many ways; we just don’t notice it because we are not looking for such signs. We feel that whatever good happens to us is either due to chance or due to our good luck. It is important that we relate these to God. However, we must not forget that such signs will happen only to those who have established a loving relationship with God. The first sign is that we will have good intuitions which will guide us to be excellent human beings.
The next sign is when someone known or unknown comes forward to help us, out of his or her own accord. This happens regularly to devotees of God. The third sign is similar; someone comes along to warn us of something, which, if not heeded, could spell disaster. The next sign is when something good happens to us suddenly, without expecting. The fifth sign is our getting out of some serious trouble unexpectedly. And, lastly, our prayers begin to get answered. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com