In life, challenges are inevitable. We face trials, personal struggles, natural disasters, and unforeseen circumstances that can shake our very core. During such times, we may find ourselves questioning everything—our purpose, our decisions, and even our faith in God. However, it is precisely in these moments of doubt and despair that faith becomes our most essential lifeline.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the wisdom of Swami Mukundananda ji, we are reminded that unwavering faith in God can guide us through life’s toughest storms.
Understanding the Divine Leelas of God
One of the fundamental principles highlighted by Swami Mukundananda ji is the importance of understanding God’s divine leelas (pastimes). Swami Mukundananda ji beautifully explains that these leelas serve a higher purpose. They are not meant to be scrutinized by our logical minds but to be embraced with our hearts. The key lies in accepting the divine nature of these actions and understanding that they transcend our limited perception of reality.
Take, for example, the story of Shree Ram. One may ask, if Shree Ram is God, how could he not know where Sita ji was when she was captured by Ravan? Why would an all-knowing and all-powerful God experience separation and suffering? These are questions that arise when we view God’s actions through the lens of material human logic. However, Swami Mukundananda ji explains that such instances are part of God’s divine leelas. They are not driven by the same motivations as human actions, which are rooted in a search for personal happiness or fulfillment. God, being an ocean of bliss, engages in leelas for the welfare of mankind, not out of necessity.
Shree Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, revealed the secret of his divine birth and actions to Arjun, saying:
जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यमेवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वत: |त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर्जन्म नैति मामेति सोऽर्जुन || 9||
janma karma cha me divyam evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti mām eti so ’rjuna
Those who understand the divine nature of My birth and activities, O Arjun, upon leaving the body, do not have to take birth again, but come to My eternal abode (BG 4.9)
This profound teaching reminds us that God’s actions are not for us to question but to understand as part of his divine play. By accepting his leelas as divine, we elevate our faith and purify our hearts, paving the way for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The Story of Garud: A Lesson in Humility
In times of hardship, it is natural for doubts to creep in. We may find ourselves asking, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why is God allowing this suffering?” These doubts, if left unchecked, can lead to a crisis of faith. But Swami Mukundananda ji emphasizes that to maintain faith, we must surrender these doubts and trust in God’s plan.
The story of Garud in the Ramayan beautifully illustrates this point. Garud, the mighty bird, who is known for his devotion to Shree Ram, faced a moment of doubt when he witnessed Shree Ram and Lakshman tied up by Indrajeet’s snake darts (Naagpash) during the Lanka war. Unable to reconcile this sight with his understanding of Shree Ram’s divinity, Garud’s faith was shaken. Even though he freed both of them from the serpents, his doubt was not dispelled until he sought and received answers from the great sage Kaag Bhushundi, who explained the divine nature of Shree Ram’s leelas.
Like Garud, we must recognize that our materially conditioned human intellect has limitations. Trying to rationalize God’s actions through worldly reasoning can lead to confusion. Instead, we are called to surrender to his will, trusting that everything unfolds according to his divine plan. When we release our doubts, we create space for deeper devotion and understanding.
Faith in the Midst of Personal Struggles
Personal struggles (e.g., financial difficulties, health issues, emotional challenges, etc.), can be overwhelming. It is in these moments that faith is most often tested. But the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer us a way to navigate these trials with grace.
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु |मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: || 34||
man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru
mām evaiṣhyasi yuktvaivam ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ
Always think of Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and offer obeisance to Me. Having dedicated your mind and body to Me, you will certainly come to Me (BG 9.34).
In this verse, Shree Krishna encourages Arjun to keep his mind fixed on God, no matter the situation. This unwavering focus on God allows us to transcend our personal challenges, understanding them not as punishments but as opportunities for spiritual growth. Swami Mukundananda ji explains that our difficulties serve as a catalyst to deepen our connection with God. Just as gold is purified by fire, our souls are purified through adversity. When we approach our struggles with faith, they become stepping stones on our spiritual journey. Every trial is an invitation to surrender more deeply, trust more fully, and love more completely.
Lessons from King Janmejay: The Danger of Doubt
The story of King Janmejay, as shared by Swami Mukundananda ji, offers a profound lesson on the interplay between destiny and free will. It beautifully illustrates that true freedom comes not from fighting against the divine plan, but from aligning ourselves with it. Janmejay, who was the son of King Parikshit, harbored doubts about why Shree Krishna allowed the great battle of Mahabharata to take place. He approached the sage, Ved Vyas, seeking answers to his questions about destiny. Ved Vyas explained that some events in life are predestined and cannot be altered, no matter how much effort is exerted.
To demonstrate this, Ved Vyas gave Janmejay a series of warnings about his future, instructing him not to engage in certain actions. Despite his best efforts to avoid his fate, Janmejay found himself unwittingly fulfilling the very prophecy he sought to avoid. It is important to remember that the key is to align our free will with God’s divine will, trusting that he knows what is best for our spiritual evolution.
Swami Mukundananda ji encourages us to approach life with this understanding. Instead of resisting the challenges that come our way, we can accept them as part of God’s greater plan. This acceptance does not mean passivity; rather, it is an active surrender that opens the door to divine grace and guidance.
The Importance of Bhakti
At the heart of maintaining faith during difficult times is bhakti (devotion). Bhakti is not just an outward practice of rituals; it is an inner state of surrender, love, and trust in God. Swami Mukundananda ji explains that true bhakti involves seeing God’s hand in every aspect of life, both the joyful and the painful. When we cultivate devotion, our hearts become purified, and we experience God’s grace in profound ways.
समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रिय: |ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम् || 29||
samo ’haṁ sarva-bhūteṣhu na me dveṣhyo ’sti na priyaḥ
ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā mayi te teṣhu chāpyaham
I am equally disposed to all living beings; I am neither inimical nor partial to anyone. But the devotees who worship Me with love reside in Me and I reside in them (BG 9.29).
This verse reminds us that when we offer our love to God, he reciprocates by residing within us, guiding us, and protecting us through life’s ups and downs. Devotion is the key to transcending the limitations of the mind and intellect. Swami Mukundananda ji teaches that when we engage in bhakti, we purify our minds and hearts, allowing us to experience God’s grace more fully. Through bhakti, we move beyond intellectual questioning and enter into a state of deep, unshakable faith.
Cultivating Unshakeable Faith
Developing unshakeable faith does not mean we will never face doubts or questions. Rather, it means we learn to approach these doubts with a different perspective. Instead of allowing them to weaken our faith, we can use them as opportunities to deepen our understanding and strengthen our connection with the divine. Swamiji suggests several practices to cultivate unshakeable faith:
1. Regular study of scriptures: Immersing ourselves in the wisdom of texts like the Bhagavad Gita can provide us with the spiritual knowledge needed to navigate difficult times.
2. Mindful contemplation: Taking time to reflect on the divine nature of God's actions can help us develop a more profound understanding of his leelas.
3. Devotional practices: Engaging in bhakti yoga, (path of devotion), can help us develop a loving relationship with God that transcends intellectual understanding.
4. Satsang: Associating with like-minded spiritual seekers can provide support and inspiration on our spiritual journey.
5. Selfless service: Engaging in seva (selfless service), can help us align our actions with divine will and reduce our ego-centric thinking.
Moving Forward with Faith
In conclusion, life will always present us with challenges, but the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the wisdom of Swami Mukundananda ji offer us a roadmap for navigating these difficulties with faith and devotion. By understanding God’s divine leelas, surrendering our doubts, and cultivating bhakti, we can maintain our faith even in the face of adversity.
Remember, faith is not the absence of challenges but the strength to endure them with grace. It is the unwavering belief that God is with us, guiding us, and working for our highest good, even when we cannot see it. As Swami Mukundananda ji reminds us, when we trust in God’s divine plan, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace.
Let us move forward with faith, knowing that every trial is an opportunity to grow closer to God and experience the profound peace that comes from surrendering to his will.
Call to Action
To deepen your faith and understanding of these teachings, explore the wisdom shared by Swami Mukundananda on his YouTube channel, where he shares motivational and devotional insights. Additionally, you can access Swami Mukundananda’s complete commentary on the Bhagavad Gita to dive deeper into the divine lessons from this sacred text.
Resources
Bhagavad Gita - You Will Never Lose Faith In Krishna After Watching This - Swami Mukundananda
Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Commentary by Swami Mukundananda
The Invincible Power of Faith - JKYog's October 2023 E-Journal Issue