The Hindu Article - Faith in God gives mental peace!

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Date:11/06/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/06/11/stories/2003061100770900.htm

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Faith in God gives mental peace

 

CHENNAI JUNE 11 . The root cause of human miseries, restlessness and

lack of peace of mind is the distance man has moved away from God.

Instead of forging a permanent bond with the Lord man becomes

attached to worldly relations and things, which are transitory. So

whenever there is a problem in life he loses his peace of mind. In

the case of a devotee when a problem besets him, he knows that God is

around the corner with a solution and hence he will not despair. When

a person understands that the Almighty is always with him, his life

changes altogether and the one who has distanced himself from God

without realising this truth loses his moorings in life.

 

It is apparent that there is dearth of peace in the family, society

and the world today and everyone seeks solace. But, peace cannot be

attained outside; it has to be found within and the scriptures can

give the right direction and help to restore peace of mind.

 

The Bhagavad Gita is unique among the scriptures as it is the only

work that has the epithet "Bhagavad". It embodies the teachings of

the Lord. Even a verse of the Gita could transform one's life

totally, said Srimathi Prema Pandurang in her discourse.

 

If one considers the occasions when an individual loses his peace of

mind it will be apparent that they are moments of confusion, or when

there is a feeling of alienation, or when at a crossroads in life or

when there is no sense of direction in life. Peace of mind comes only

with knowledge. Lord Krishna says in the Gita, "Having known Me in

reality as the enjoyer of sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme

Lord of all the worlds, and the friend of all beings, My devotee

attains peace." In another context He advised Arjuna, "Whatever you

do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer as oblation to the sacred

fire, whatever you bestow as a gift, whatever you do by way of

penance, offer it all to Me."

 

This makes it evident that the obligatory sacrifices man has to

perform are offerings of thanksgiving to the Lord. It is a way of

expressing one's gratitude to God for all he enjoys in life.

Likewise, gifts and charity one gives ultimately reach the Lord.

Another truth Krishna clarifies in this verse is that He, who is the

friend of all, is the Supreme One capable of resolving all problems.

Understanding this truth results in peace of mind.

 

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