Cultivating and Strengthening Faith: Insights and Encounters

Feeding our faith with the Word and Divine Grace plays a pivotal role in our spiritual journey. We explore various instances and insights that strengthen our faith, drawing on personal experiences and lessons from sages, saints, and spiritual masters.

Understanding the Role of Divine Grace in Faith

The essence of faith lies in the belief that there is a higher power or a divine presence that guides and protects us. Many spiritual texts and teachings emphasize that faith is not solely a human construct but is influenced by Divine Grace.

The stories of Gajendra and Ajamila serve as powerful illustrations of this concept. Gajendra, the elephant king, remembered Lord Vishnu during a dire situation, highlighting the power of past merits and divine intervention. Similarly, Ajamila, through the simple act of calling out "Narayana," found divine help, teaching us that even a fleeting thought or call can lead to divine presence.

Challenges and Overcoming Inner Struggles

While faith can be strong, it often faces challenges. People start with good intentions but find their faith waning over time due to life's complexities, attachments, and worldly affairs. In the Kali Yuga, rational thinking and the allure of material gains pose significant challenges.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to let faith take a backseat. However, personal experiences have shown that even amidst these challenges, Divine Grace can intervene. In my personal journey, I faced numerous trials, including experimenting with occult practices, smoking, and drinking, leading to addictions. But a miraculous healing by the Higher Powers, Saints, or even a Master's intervention allowed me to reaffirm my faith.

Intangible Evidence of Faith

In my journey, there were several instances where faith was restored through spiritual experiences. After attuning to Reiki and having profound experiences of Kundalini rising, Shakti pat, and similar energies during visits to holy places like Shirdi and Hampi, my faith grew stronger. These experiences revealed the guiding presence of my Masters, highlighting that they were always with me.

During times of despair and deep depression, the messages of God / Guru provided the reassurance needed to persevere. The communication between me and the divine became more robust, allowing me to receive timely warnings and encouragement, enabling me to navigate life's challenges.

The Importance of Previous Merits

The connection between past meritorious actions and present faith cannot be understated. Our merits of past lives or current positive actions form a foundation that supports our faith when it faces trials. These merits serve as a buffer against the negative influences of Kali Yuga, allowing us to maintain and even strengthen our faith.

Ultimately, cultivating and strengthening faith involves acknowledging the role of Divine Grace, understanding the power of past deeds, and being open to the whispered guidance of the divine.

Key Takeaways:

Divine Grace plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening faith. Our past merits influence our current spiritual journey. Personal experiences and guidance from spiritual masters provide tangible evidence of divine intervention.

The journey of faith is one of enduring challenges and finding reassurance in times of need. By embracing these insights, we can fortify our faith and navigate life's complexities with greater serenity and strength.