Such knowledge is basic to us souls but we need to nurture it, writes ajit kumar bishnoi
My two granddaughters stay with us on Friday nights. The elder one is eight plus and the younger one is almost six. I take them to their house in the morning. However, before that, we go to the neighbourhood temple. The girls are learning to develop a lifelong connection with God, which will stand them in good stead throughout their lives; they can seek whatever they desire from God.
As we were driving, the younger one touched my hand and wondered about my prominent veins. I explained to her that she too had veins but they were not so visible, but if she wanted I could take them out. I intentionally provoked her. I could easily have said that I could show her veins too. She got scared, assuming I may use force on her and pulled her hands away. The elder one was not scared and extended her hand towards me.
Why were their reactions differentIJ The older one knew that her grandfather would never dream of harming her. This she had experienced. The younger one was still not sure; she did not have that much exposure.
let us see some other examples about faith developing with time/experience. Children begin to trust their parents by the love they get from them. Mothers get the lion’s share of a child’s love because they are the main persons in caring, feeding, etc for the child. For most children, their mothers are their world. When their mother gets sick, they get scared. Fathers also are trusted depending upon how much love or time they spend with the growing child. This faith grows more in later years when father’s qualities like being strong, provider, etc become apparent to the children. Simply this knowledge that one should love one’s parents is not enough.
life partners are also trusted with time only. The initial period of living together is essentially to know one another, ie various qualities each one has or lacks. Over the years, this relationship deepens or should. A point may come when they count on one another fully. The next example is of a colleague in an office. One sizes others in order to ascertain how much they can be depended upon in matters of keeping secrets, giving help when required, etc. This does take long because the relationship cannot be that close with each pursuing his or her own career, but in some cases it is very close. Friends are similarly bound together slowly and steadily.
How about an employee-employer relationshipIJ This is an entirely different relationship, in which there is bound to be some distance, a lot of formality, etc. Still, this relationship becomes enduring if the employer is truthful, honest and fair. This is a time-consuming experience; the employer must ascertain whether the person who is working for him or her is trustworthy, sincere, hardworking, etc.
lastly, I take the example of a teacher, a guru or a coach. This is a special relationship in which the giver has lots to do in order to cement the connection. The recipient must benefit perceptibly and surely. There is no question of hit and miss. Mistakes on the part of the guru are almost unforgivable. The respect is lost and, then, it is difficult to undo the damage.
Now let us turn our attention to the soul, which being small, must depend upon others. The question is on whomIJ A soul or a person likes to count on others because this is required for his or her survival. And he will trust, which is evident in children, who give their love unconditionally.
This brings us to the last topic, ie of our faith in God. Just like other relationships, it will take a long time to develop, especially because we are dealing with a subtle entity, as different from a physical one. Interacting with someone we cannot see or talk to or hear is very special. I will not call this relationship difficult, but it requires a lot of practice, which takes long. However, the good part is our getting disproportionate benefits right from the beginning, if we engage in spiritual practices with sincerity and determination. Having knowledge of God is great but this is not enough. lots of experience is required to form an enduring bond.
The same holds true about faith in God. It is just not a matter of knowledge; we have to experience it by doing spiritual practices like I am teaching my granddaughters. By the way, such knowledge is basic to us souls, but we need to nurture it. Even the worst atheists refer to God even though unintentionally.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com