Importance Of Faith In Spirituality

Importance of Faith in Spirituality

Reflection Questions:

What is Faith?
Why is it Important to have Faith in God?
How can we Develop Faith in God?

What is Faith?

The word â€œFaithâ€ basically means to have a strong belief or full conviction in something without the need for evidence or proof of its existence. It is the opposite of doubt. In Sanskrit, the words Shraddha (i.e., faith) and Bhakti (i.e., devotion) go hand-in-hand in the practice of spirituality. Whether the reference is to faith in God, Guru, Scriptures, or the spiritual path itself, faith is fundamental in the practice of devotion.

People can place their faith in a number of things in the material or spiritual realm. In fact, having faith in anything is a core characteristic of the human nature. Therefore, it is very important to ascertain our faith in the right source as per the purpose of our life. As Lord Krishna told Arjun:

tri-vidhÄ bhavati Å›hraddhÄ dehinÄá¹ sÄ svabhÄva-jÄ

sÄttvikÄ« rÄjasÄ« chaiva tÄmasÄ« cheti tÄá¹ Å›há¹›iá¹‡u

Every human being is born with innate faith, which can be of three kinds -sÄttvic, rÄjasic, or tÄmasic. Now hear about this from Me. [BG 17.2]

Shree Krishna beautifully explains that our thoughts and actions are a function of the dominant mode or guna at any point in time, whether sattva, rajas, or tamas. Similarly, where people place their faith, is determined by their guna. When a soulâ€™s sattvic bhav increases by virtue of the external environment, and the hunger for the knowledge of God sprouts internally, then God blesses the soul with increased faith. This is beautifully reflected in the childhood story of Dhanna Jaat, narrated by Swamiji in his lectures.

Dhanna Jaat was born in a village family that took care of the cows. His father, Panna Jaat and mother, Rekha Devi were devout satsangees. Their Guru was Trilochan Pandit. Since early childhood, Dhanna Jaat was a very simple and devoted child. Click here to read more.

ï»¿Why is it Important to have Faith in God?

For spiritual aspirants, it is important to establish firm faith in God/Guru for various reasons, some of which are presented below.

Molds the Direction of Life. Where we repose our faith, will shape the direction of our life. If we focus on the material world, we will continue to be stuck in the 8.4 million life-forms and in the ongoing cycle of life and death. If we focus on God/Guru, then true knowledge will help us to make progress on the spiritual path with the hope of breaking out of the endless cycle of life and death.
Foundation for Spiritual Progress. Numerous qualities that are the ingredients for spiritual practice â€“ inspiration, trust, dedication, commitment and devotion to serve God â€“ all blossom from the foundation of resolute faith.
Basis for Humility. Faith in God/Guru also enables us to develop humbleness from the knowledge-based belief that everything including our strengths and positive attributes, are gifts of God. Without Him, we are nothing. Such faith comes not from an analysis of Vedic knowledge, but from abiding beliefs, trust in the divine knowledge and the Guru who imparts it, and a strong desire to attain God. Click here to read more.

How can we Develop Faith in God?

Many spiritual aspirants desire to build faith in God but are unaware of the process. Those who do not believe in God, demand proof of His existence even though they are unable prove that God does not exist. Whether we are believers in the existence of God or not, we have to take a leap of faith in whatever we choose to believe. Even in the material world, we take a leap of faith each time we fly an airplane, take the car to an auto mechanic, or follow the instructions of parents, teachers, doctors or lawyers. So, how can we take a leap of faith in the power of God and His divine energies?

First, we need to understand the correct sequence of the process:

The Vedas are eternal and apauruá¹£hÄ“ya, i.e., not created by humans. Swamiji says that the Vedas constitute the eternal knowledge of God which was initially revealed in the heart of the first-born Brahma and transmitted in a descending manner from Guru to disciple through the oral-auditory transmission (i.e., Shruti). Thus, we should have complete faith in the word (or vaani) of God, and the Guru who teaches and interprets the divine knowledge at the level of our understanding.

Only true knowledge of God will increase our internal faith which will lead to devotion and love for God/Guru. It is such deep faith that attracts divine grace. As Saint Tulsidas stated in his Ramcharitmanas:

Jane binu na hoi partiti, binu partiti hoi nahi priti

â€œWithout knowledge of God, one cannot develop faith in Him and without faith, one cannot develop love for God.â€

When spiritual aspirants are hungry for divine knowledge, God bestows faith upon them out of His causeless mercy. Click here to read more.