In the spiritual realms of the Ramayan and Mahabharat, faith (śhraddhā) emerges as a pivotal element. Without it, these timeless epics might seem enigmatic or even irrelevant. To derive profound lessons, one must approach these sacred narratives with trust, setting aside skepticism or intellectual arrogance. As Tulsidas Ji Maharaj aptly warns, those devoid of faith should not engage with the Ramayan, for their doubts will only cloud its wisdom.
The Role of Faith in Leelas of the Ramayan
The Ramayan—a poetic masterpiece by Tulsidasji—begins by emphasizing faith. In an intriguing episode, Sati Devi doubts the divine leelas (play) of Lord Ram, relying solely on her intellect. Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiv, was the daughter of King Prajapati. She was deeply devoted to Lord Shiv and married him despite her father’s disapproval. Once, Lord Shiv and Parvati were taking a walk in the forest when they came across Lord Ram who was distraught and searching for Mother Sita. Sati, however, questioned how the Supreme Being could appear so distraught and helpless. She doubted Lord Ram's divinity, thinking it was inconsistent with the idea of a perfect, all-powerful God. To test Lord Ram, Sati took on the form of Sita and appeared before Lord Ram in the guise of his wife. Lord Ram, being omniscient, immediately recognized Sati in disguise as Sita. He paid obeisance to her as Mother Sati, addressing her with great respect and revealing his awareness of her test. This skepticism led to her downfall, emphasizing that one's intellect should not be used to comprehend God's divine Leelas. Only when Sati reincarnated as Parvati, having learned the essence of God's Leelas, did she achieve a true understanding of how God’s Leela played out. As Lord Shiv told her, “Parvati, this leela was orchestrated to teach humanity that intellectual reasoning has its limits in divine matters.”
This message holds immense relevance today. Our intellect, though a remarkable tool, has its boundaries. The divine, infinite and incomprehensible by nature, requires humility and faith for us to experience its glory. Although, Mother Sati, the divine mother of this universe, was aware of the divinity of Lord Ram yet she performed this Leela to teach us that surrender, not questioning, leads to enlightenment and peace and faith in the Leelas of God is vital to develop devotion. Faith transforms the divine narratives into living truths, applicable even in our modern struggles.
Faith in the Mahabharat: Lessons from Janmejay
The Mahabharata reinforces the theme of destiny through the story of King Janmejay, the great-grandson of Arjuna. Once, Janmejay was curious about his ancestor. He wondered why the Mahabharata war happened despite the presence of Shree Krishna on earth? To seek an answer, he approached Shree Ved Vyas and asked him the question.
Shree Ved Vyas explained that some events, known as honi (destiny), are inevitable. To illustrate this, Vyasa Ji predicted certain events in Janmejay's life. He advised the king:
- Do not ride a horse after five years from now.
- Even if you decide to ride, do not take a white horse.
- If you take a white horse, do not go in the northward direction.
- Even if you go north, do not fall in love with a beautiful girl.
- If you fall in love, do not bring her back and marry her.
- And even if you marry her, do not kill any Brahmins at her behest.
However, Vyas Ji added, “Despite all these warnings, you will end up killing Brahmins, which will result in leprosy on your skin, and you will ultimately die because of it.”
Determined to avoid this fate, Janmejay immediately abandoned horse riding. However, five years later, he felt an intense desire to ride. He instructed his ministers to bring a brown horse, but when he reached the stable, the only horse available was white, as all others had been sent elsewhere. Unable to resist, he rode the white horse but resolved to head southward. While chasing a deer, he unknowingly traveled northward.
During his journey, he stopped to drink water and encountered a beautiful girl. Enchanted by her beauty, he brought her back to the palace and married her, making her his chief queen. During the marriage preparations, most Brahmins were away conducting rituals, so their sons performed the ceremony. After the wedding, while distributing Dakshina to these young Brahmins, a gust of wind blew off the queen's upper garment, revealing her body. The Brahmin boys laughed, which enraged the queen. Infatuated with her beauty, Janmejay followed her demand and killed the boys.
This act of Brahmahatya (killing Brahmins) cursed him with leprosy, as foretold by Vyas Ji. Realizing his mistake, Janmejay sought Vyas Ji's help once more. Vyas Ji instructed him to visit Rishi Vaishampayan and listen to the entire Mahabharata. He assured Janmejay that for every chapter he listened to, one limb would be cured. However, Vyas Ji warned him, “You must listen without harboring any doubts. But, I must tell you that you’ll develop doubt due to which one limb will not be cured and you’ll die from it.”
Janmejay, torn between hope and fear, approached Rishi Vaishampayan. As he listened to each chapter of the Mahabharata, one limb was healed. However, at one point, Vaishampayan narrated a story about Bhimsen’s immense strength, claiming that Bhimsen could lift an elephant by its trunk and throw it with such force that it would reach satellite velocity and begin orbiting the Earth. Hearing this, Janmejay laughed loudly in disbelief. To prove his point, Vaishampayan gestured, and an elephant, which had been orbiting earth since ancient times, fell back to the ground.
Because of this doubt, one of Janmejay's limbs remained infected, and he eventually died as a result.
The concept of faith in this story teaches us that spiritual growth requires us to let go of intellectual pride and embrace divine guidance. As we read through this story, we ponder over the things that Janmejay could have done to avoid this fate. To avoid his tragic fate, Janmejaya could have strictly followed Vyasa Ji’s warnings by exercising self-control and avoiding the chain of events that led to his downfall. Resisting the urge to ride the white horse, staying away from the northward direction, and refraining from impulsive actions like marrying the queen or yielding to her demands could have helped. Additionally, cultivating humility, seeking guidance, and practicing spiritual discipline might have strengthened his resolve and aligned his actions with dharma, ultimately helping him avert the curse of ‘Brahmhatya’. Furthermore, he could have developed full faith in the story of the Mahabharata, understanding the divine nature of God’s Leelas.
The Dangers of Intellectual Arrogance
In both epics, the intellect—while essential in worldly matters—is portrayed as a hindrance in spiritual pursuits when misused. The cautionary tale of Karl Marx’s assertion, “I’ll believe in God only if I can dissect Him in a laboratory,” exemplifies this arrogance. Such an approach diminishes the divine to material boundaries, overlooking its transcendental nature.
Shree Krishna, addressing Arjun in the Bhagavad Gita, elaborates on this idea by revealing his divine opulence (vibhutis). He warns that without faith, these revelations might be misconstrued as egotistical boasts. For devotees, however, they are profound insights into the boundless nature of the divine.
Faith, in this sense, becomes a bridge that connects the finite human mind to the infinite divine reality. It encourages humility and receptivity, paving the path for spiritual wisdom.
The Universal Essence of Faith
Faith is a universal virtue that transcends religious boundaries. Across the globe, every spiritual tradition emphasizes trust in the unseen. For instance, the Bible teaches, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In Islam, the concept of iman (faith) is central, urging believers to trust in Allah’s will. Such parallels reveal that faith is a shared human experience, vital for spiritual growth.
Faith also plays a role in science and everyday life. A scientist conducting experiments trusts the underlying principles of nature. Similarly, we trust unseen forces like gravity and electricity, even without witnessing them directly. This trust reflects our innate capacity for faith, which becomes transformative when directed toward the divine.
How Faith Enriches Daily Life
Faith is not restricted to scriptures or religious rituals. It enriches our daily lives by:
1. Reducing Anxiety: Belief in a higher power alleviates the fear of uncertainty, fostering peace of mind.
2. Enhancing Relationships: Trust, an essential component of faith, strengthens bonds with family and friends.
3. Inspiring Resilience: Faith provides strength during hardships, reminding us that challenges are temporary and purposeful.
4. Fostering Gratitude: By recognizing the divine in our blessings, we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness.
Practical Applications for Modern Seekers
1. Approach Scriptures with an Open Heart: Whether it’s the Bhagavad Gita, Bible, or Quran, approach them with humility and reverence. Faith bridges the gap between intellectual understanding and spiritual realization. Trust the wisdom contained within these sacred texts to guide you.
2. Recognize the Limits of Intellect: Accept that not everything can be explained logically. Some truths are meant to be felt, experienced, and lived. By acknowledging this, we open ourselves to experiences that transcend logic.
3. Balance Reason and Faith: While faith is paramount, it should not negate reason. Use intellect to navigate the material world and faith to connect with the spiritual. This harmonious balance ensures that we remain grounded yet spiritually uplifted.
4. Immerse in Divine Narratives: Stories from scriptures, such as the leelas of Ram and Krishna, are rich in symbolism. Meditating on them fosters a deeper connection with the divine. Let these narratives inspire, uplift, and transform you.
5. Participate in Spiritual Discourses: Listening to spiritual teachers, like Swami Mukundananda, can deepen your understanding of faith and its application. Their guidance often bridges ancient wisdom with modern challenges, offering actionable insights.
Nurturing Faith Through Community
Faith thrives in the company of like-minded individuals. Spiritual communities provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for collective worship. Engaging with others on the same path reinforces belief and fosters a sense of belonging. Attend satsangs, join online groups, or participate in local spiritual events to nurture your faith.
You may consider joining 'Morning Gems with Swamiji,' held Monday through Friday at 7:30 AM CST / 7:00 PM IST, which is a one-stop place to nurture your spirituality and faith.
A Call to Action
As seekers of truth, let us reflect on the role of faith in our lives. Are we willing to surrender our doubts and embrace the wisdom of the ages? Begin by immersing yourself in the Ramayan or Mahabharat with an open heart. Let their timeless teachings inspire and guide you.
To deepen your journey, subscribe to Swami Mukundananda's YouTube channel. Through his discourses, you will gain profound insights into the scriptures and practical tools to incorporate faith into your daily life. Let his teachings illuminate your path and help you navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom.
Faith is the key that unlocks the divine treasures within. Embrace it, and witness the profound transformation it brings to your spiritual journey. Start today—watch a video, read a scripture, and most importantly, believe. The divine awaits you with open arms.