No one can protect us like the Almighty, believes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Everyone take shelter somewhere. For example, the majority takes shelter of money, which they feel will not only provide for their needs but also give them the sense of security. Power, fame, good looks, lots of knowledge, etc are some other shelters people seek. But we have to test them to ascertain if they are actually safe and effective shelters. The example of a boat caught in a storm is very appropriate. If it is anchored securely, then the boat will toss and turn but will not be blown away. Similar is the story of our life. If we are anchored securely, then the inevitable problems, troubles, sufferings, etc will shake us alright but we will not be defeated.
let us examine money first if it is a safe and effective shelter. Starting with what money can provide; money definitely helps us meet our daily needs for the maintenance of our bodies. Additionally, it provides us many comforts if we can afford. Money comes in handy to meet emergencies like medical. This is very good. Now let us see where money cannot help us. If we are disturbed, worried and fearful, money is not a solution. If some unfortunate incident like death of a close relative takes place, no amount of money can remove our grief. In short, our boat is blown away.
let us scrutinise power. This feels good, very good. But there are always opposite forces vying to remove us from that position. One is always afraid that he or she may be blown away any time. He or she cannot feel 100 per cent secure. And if the opposite forces succeed in their designs, the boat is blown away.
Fame is next. If feels very good when one gets famous. Does if satisfyIJ One wants to be more famous. At one time, one desires to be known as the greatest. Others contest this and one feels deflated and the boat is blown away. Good looks are next. The aging process is its biggest enemy and with time this shelter is gone and the boat has been blown away. The last is lots of knowledge; I mean material knowledge. When the real questions arise like diseases, old age and death, one has no answers.
Therefore, let us turn our attention to the real shelter, ie God and see how we can take his shelter and what benefits we derive by doing so. First, how we can do it. These are some of the general processes: Hearing about God from realised souls; chanting mantras and God’s names; remembering God; saying prayers; having satsang with devotees of God; worshiping God; doing sacrifice for him; studying scriptures; developing God consciousness; and paying obeisance to God.
These are some of the practical tips to be able to do so. To begin with, we must develop a desire for it. This can be done by meditating on the benefits of doing so. Then, one must decide to do so gradually. The last part is to choose what processes suit the self. Personally, I focus on the following. I write on God-related topics; I chant God’s names and mantras; I discuss about God with devotees; I visit temples; I keep photos of God in my room to look at, I pray to God when I need his help; and I read the Bhagavad Gita, as required.
Now we come to the final part, ie benefits in seeking God as a shelter. Addressing the shortcomings of other shelters discussed in this article, the only permanent relative we all have is God only and no one can separate him from us. No force is more powerful than God, who is omnipotent. God is supreme and most famous; there is no competition with him. We are souls and never age. Therefore, a God conscious person identifies oneself as a soul only. God is omniscient, therefore, he has all the answers. God is omnipresent too, therefore, if we have chosen him as our shelter, our boat may rock and shake, but will never be blown away. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com