Hindu Article-Indomitable faith

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Indomitable faith

 

CHENNAI: It is believed that in Kali Yuga practice of true devotion

to God is a sure path to attain salvation. Great saints steeped in

devotion have not merely made a strong impact on the lives of people

around them during their lifetime, but have continued to inspire

posterity.

 

Religious tradition has it that God manifested Himself in many subtle

ways by responding to their pure and simple devotion that was subject

to the severest of tests in many cases. In a discourse, Swami

Namananda Giri said that the path of devotion is anything but smooth,

and great devotees have been subjected to many trials and

tribulations, which they overcame by their steadfast devotion to

their preceptor and unflinching faith in God.

 

The guru-sishya tradition has kept alive and fostered the devotional

fervour, especially when devotees in quest of God have found

themselves at crossroads. The pulls and pressures of worldly life

apart, they have had to face envy, jealousy or opposition from all

quarters — friends, relatives, family members, neighbours and rival

groups alike. The case of Kabir Das, an ardent disciple of Guru

Ramananda, demonstrates that total faith in the guru is essential,

and this can achieve even the impossible. He volunteered to counter

the challenge of a rival of his guru when others showed diffidence.

Placing his entire effort at his guru's feet, Kabir Das humbled the

conceited opponent, by exposing his empty boasts and big talk. It was

made clear to him that true knowledge would always win, since it is

with the help of Jnana that one can overcome ego that obstructs

devotion.

 

In another instance, it is said that Lord Rama Himself came to the

rescue of Kabir Das, and foiled the attempt of a jealous group that

had concocted a plan to humiliate him. Unknown to Kabir, they

announced that Kabir was going to feed all the people in Kasi. But

when the lunch session was over in a smooth fashion, it was their

turn to be wonderstruck at the faith of Kabir since Kabir was not

aware of any of these events.

 

Practice of devotion is difficult only to those who feel insecure

with wavering faith. But for those possessing unflinching faith, it

becomes a way of life. In their perception, nothing belongs to them,

and everything happens according to divine will.

 

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