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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
95
Mountain Meru, lakhs of miles wide throbbed at the toe-impression effected by the great Lord. We also possess this intrinsic strength but it is overpowered by layers of Karmas performed by us in our previous births. We do possess that strength to destroy and protect the universe but we are invalid as our own acts have overpowered our soul's strength. No sooner are these Karmas destroyed, than we manifest infinite strength and power.
SHRADDHA (Faith)
Faith leads us to make efforts and efforts pave our path to the final goal. When you cherish faith in a particular route, particular distance to be covered, and in a specific direction then only you take to that route and proceed. When you have faith for a particular diet which would invigorate your body, then only you take to that diet and your faith in a particular branch of business leads you to that type of business.
With the help of a rope a man can climb high wall but you know the consequences if the rope gives way. Same is the case with faith as faith is also a kind of a support. When faith gives way action or effort also ceases. When you are not sure of success in a particular trade you would not proceed for the same trade.
Faith is a pre-requisite factor for the performance of religious acts. Religious rites performed without faith bear no fruits. If you have faith in your prophet, in your religious preceptor, in the principles preached by him then be prepared to put those principles into action. That is why 'Faith' is emphasised at the outset.
It is also important to consider in whom should you place your faith? Improper medicine relied upon would prove destrimental to your health. Similarly, improper God, improper preceptor and improper principles when followed with faith prove injurious rather than beneficial and that is why the authors of the sacred scriptures have laid down to test the preachings of God and the preceptor and to follow those only which prove as true and proper. Faith in proper God, proper preceptor and the right type of religion is termed as Samyakatva (proper conviction).
This right conviction only leads to the result of knowledge and action. A man with profound learning and performing religious
