Its Faith that counts always

Dinesh Kumar Kapila
Sh DS Khanagwal was sitting with me the other day. He graciously dropped in to convey his condolences on the passing away of my father. It would be a month or so since Dad passed away. I sat quietly as he spoke, I was wondering at this side of him and at the same time appreciating his advise., To be honest, he was more than a handful for me to handle way on many occasions way back in 2012-13, when he was at the Srinagar Office with me. But here today, he spoke with devotion and deep sincerity on Faith and religion. Retired, older than me, he left me with much to ponder on for which I remain grateful and acknowledged so to him too.
On the issue of faith he was direct, don’t think, don’t assess and don’t be intelligent in your mind about it. Accept and accept with devotion and a sublime mind. Faith comes from the mind and within and not from knowledge and analysis or for that matter even intelligence. It has to come from within and then it finds you and guides you along life’s pathways. Even the devout Mira could not find Bhagwan Krishna by informed prayers or by her intelligence or by seeking Him out, yet when she surrendered to Him and with a honest acceptance and a sincere devout mind, she found Him.
That reminded me of an age old story. from ancient times. There was a learned Sage (Sant) who lived across a small river. He would address his students and sundry visitors every evening after drinking milk. This milk was brought to him by a semi literate woman, who maintained a small dairy with her husband. For her this was devotion to a holy man and through him to the Divinity (Bhagwan / God). This sincere and good woman had to cross the river by a boat to bring milk to the Sage (Sant). Sometimes, it would rain upstream and she would get late as the boatman would take time to cross over. This would upset the Sage as he liked to have his milk before sitting down to his extended sessions. One day, the woman got late and walked in as the Sage was addressing his students and visitors. She apologised by quietly folding her hands and that particular day she decided to sit down to listen. She was tired and thought of listening as normally she would turn back after pouring out the milk,, for her that was her faith, the journey and the time spent on it and the supply of the milk. Well, she heard the Sage say that true faith and devotion will carry you across this ocean of life and it’s trials and tribulations. She heard him repeat this and emphasise the centrality of faith and devotion, the unquestioning unwavering faith which would overcome all obstacles. Well, the sermon finished, the woman picked up her vessel and left for the river. Nearing it, she found it in spate. Not too much but nevertheless a concern. Fresh from learning the value of unquestioning faith, she decided to skip waiting for the boatman. She took the name of Bhagwan (The Divinity) and stepped into the river and just walked through. Not even surprised but accepting it quietly, she went home. This became routine, the walking through the river, the Sage noticed the regularity in timings but also her being slightly wet and asked her the reason. She simply said you only taught me the way and the path. Surprised, the sage asked how and she told him about the talk on unquestioning faith and devotion. The Sage was surprised and not convinced, his assessment was it was not factual. The woman was adamant and even slightly irritated that the Sage was questioning her faith and devotion. Not really trusting her, the Sage followed her on her return journey. As she stepped in, praying, she called out to the sage to follow her. The Sage hesitated, though he saw her safely walking through. After much cajoling by the woman, the Sage stepped in gingerly and hesitated, as he took the next step he was pulled by the swift current and was saved by a passer by. Now who had the faith, the intelligent Sage or the Woman, is what could be discussed. Faith demands this of us. The acceptance and unquestioningly so.
It’s like I told Khanagwal Ji, a blind young man was asked why he visited a temple when he could not see the idols. The immediate response was that Bhagwan (God) could see him, even if he could not. That was enough.
As we sat, we discussed about the blessings of our parents, even after they had passed on. And of our ancestors. And how they guided us. This again was, as we concluded, faith. Faith in them and in the depth of this relationship, even if the parents were no more, which some unfortunately did not realise. Pray to them when in need and retain some of their written words, advised Khanagwal Ji. This will provide strength and show the right path. Before addressing any issue of concern, pray to them for being blessed with wisdom. As I saw Khanagwal ji to the gate, I thanked him. I thanked him with gratitude as that day I gained knowledge and positivity from him, I was not really expecting it when we met.

sat down initially but I certainly did so and with positivity. Faith is all there is to it.
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