Faith as the foundation of life

इस लेख को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए कृपया यहां क्लिक करें।

You may have heard the famous tagline of the popular TV channel "Aastha"— Aastha: Jeevan ka Aadhaar i.e., 'Faith: The Foundation of Life.' But have you ever wondered about the deep thought behind this seemingly simple sentence? It is not just a slogan; it’s an attempt to connect with the roots of life itself. To grasp the depth hidden in this small phrase, we need to reflect within ourselves and truly feel the essence of faith in life.

Faith touches that aspect of life which is invisible, yet every individual experiences it in their own way. I identify as agnostic atheist, meaning I do not believe strongly in the existence of God. I feel that God is a creation of human imagination and doesn’t intervene in solving my life’s problems. Yet, I still perform daily worship and recite mantras and verses. You might be wondering, what kind of atheism practices rituals? To understand this, one must think a bit deeper. This act of worship isn’t driven by the hope of a miracle but serves as a practice that reminds me of something. What do I wish to remember? Through worship, I'm reminded of the moral values symbolized by the deities I revere—values like truth, patience, compassion, and self-discipline, which inspire me daily. These are the real essence of my faith.

I strive to embody the strength, devotion, and wisdom of Hanuman. I aim to cultivate a character as virtuous as Lord Rama, and walk the path of morality. Guided by Lord Krishna’s teachings, I practice Nishkaam karma yoga i.e., 'selfless action' and contribute to societal righteousness according to my capabilities. Every morning, when I offer water to the Sun God, I attempt to bring discipline into my life, symbolized by the routine of not eating after sunset. Hopefully, this clarifies that my faith during worship is not directed at individuals but at the values embodied in them by our scriptures.

Faith isn’t confined to religious belief. It is an internal strength that gives us the power to move forward in difficult circumstances. Mahatma Gandhi's life is a testament to how faith can show us the way. He once repeated what Gurudev Tagore said, "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." For him, faith wasn’t just in God but in humanity and truth. This faith empowered him to lead a nonviolent movement against British rule. In a world where violence was widespread, Gandhi’s faith gave him the courage to remain steadfast on the path of truth and nonviolence.

Faith also provides direction in life. When we face hardships, it is often faith that gives us the courage to move forward. A farmer, who faces years of drought yet sows seeds every year, demonstrates faith. He knows that God won't bring rain, but his faith gives him new hope and the strength to keep trying.

Renowned scientist Albert Einstein, who was an atheist, once said, "Faith helps us see what our eyes cannot." For him, faith in God didn’t mean believing in a force controlling our lives. Faith, for Einstein, was a quest to understand the mysteries of life and the universe that are not immediately visible to us. In a similar way, my belief too, is that the purpose of worship or religious rituals isn’t to expect miracles but to remind ourselves of the direction we are heading and the qualities we need to imbibe in our lives.

When life’s struggles and challenges disturb our peace of mind, prayer or meditation becomes a form of faith that brings us inner calm. Mother Teresa’s life, for example, was a symbol of service and compassion. She once said, "I pray not to change God, but to change myself." Her life is proof that faith not only supports us in difficult times but also inspires us to look within and strive to become better.

Moreover, faith connects us to community and builds relationships. Religious rituals like worship, offerings, or prayer gatherings are not just personal experiences but also serve as a means to unite society. When we participate in a religious event, we realize that we are part of a larger group where everyone comes together with a shared purpose and faith. In this way, faith grows beyond personal experience to foster a sense of community.

Faith deeply influences how we think, feel, and act. It gives us the strength to face life’s challenges, move forward in the right direction, and attain stability. Faith is not merely reliance on an unseen power; it is an inner drive that inspires us to believe in ourselves and the world around us. This is what makes faith the foundation of life.