The Framework

‘My very being is stricken with the weakness of sentimental pity. With my mind bewildered about my duty, I ask Thee. Tell me, for certain, which is better. I am Thy pupil; teach me, who am seeking refuge in Thee.’ (Bhagwad Geeta, 2:7)

Even the finest of human beings has to withstand the storms of disbelief, doubt and ignorance. The realization of this state may result in introspection, self-dialogue, learning other’s learnings and seeking refuge in God.

‘O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Truly! Allah is with the patient.’ (The Qur’an, 2:153)

The mightiest of all believers may be assailed with a crisis of disbelief. S. Radhakrishnan says, ‘It is the general experience of seekers that they are troubled by doubts even when they are on the threshold of light.’ A typical case of last mile connectivity!

Yet, by faith alone, Noah moved ahead, being divinely warned of things not yet seen. And, by faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up his son.

‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ (Mathew, 14:31)

Even if one is a believer, what is the framework to live through life’s moments of dejection, hunger and despair? Is faith enough for these moments?

‘And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits. But give glad tidings to the patient’ (The Qur’an, 2:155)

What if these moments expand to fill into the span of an entire lifetime? Can one just blame it on one’s past Karma in the hope of redeeming oneself through positive thoughts and actions in the here and now? It will be odd telling a cripple that it is his wont to go through life as it is, because, divine light awaits him at it’s end, even as others around him skip and hop through life.

Is endurance, then, the answer? – ‘He who endures to the end, shall be saved’

Once one knows the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of existence, ‘how’ does one ameliorate oneself? When I was trying to conceptualize the 'how', I was still stuck with the 'what' - the attached 2x2 matrix speaks of the current situation one may find him/herself in, given the past and present karma of the individual. But, 'how' does the homeless orphan on the street draw upon his inner strength? It is easy to fall into a ‘trap’ here – hunger will push him into the world of crime, while his present state has to be blamed on his past. He gets pulled into a vicious cycle! Does the message of God hold any importance for someone in this situation?

Unfortunately, I have no framework to give to myself to answer all of my questions. But I do hope to find peace in my belief that God loves us all.