Entering the World of Faith

Srila Sridhar Maharaja explains how to leave the world of treachery and enter the world of faith.

There is a great value in having the company of the saints and the scriptures, without mixing with the robbery of this material world. What is present here at this moment becomes nothing at the next. We are not of this world full of treachery. We are disgusted with the treacherous aspect of the world that charms us and engages us in a treacherous soil. Now something—next moment, nothing. We must give that up and try for something substantial: sat, cit, anandam—eternal existence, uncontaminated consciousness, and finally, the fulfillment of all our inner necessities—the corresponding engagement of the whole of our existence. Prati anga lagi kande, prati anga mora: Every part of my being cries for the corresponding part of Him. (Jñana Das) And Krishna says, “Only I can give you complete fulfillment, so come to me and give up everything else”:

sarva-dharman parityajya

mam ekam saranam vraja

aham tvam sarva-papebhyo

moksayisyami ma sucah

(Bhagavad Gita 18.66)

“I shall accept the reaction you have earned in the relativity of this mortal world—I shall clear your debt. You need only come to my feet.” If we are charmed by this universal call of the Lord and we try to abide by it, then that is sufficient. If we are answering that absolute call to our best ability, Krishna assures us: “I shall free you of your burden; you simply come to me. Give up all your duties.” Faith in this call, and acting on the basis of such faith is a great thing in us. We should try to follow this according to our best capacity, and this is possible only in the company of the exclusive devotees of the Lord.

We shall relish being in the company of His devotees. We have found children of the same soil—we are meeting our home associates. If our internal satisfaction is of that type, we are holding something of a safe position. We want to recognize our home, but we are now traveling in a foreign land. We should try to find the inner feeling of our hearts, without wanting some miracle.