Shraddhaa

श्रद्धा
(Faith)

Shraddha is faith, generally called blind faith, especially in respect of Faith in god in the modern sophisticated, scientific society.

People live by faith in all fields. Money is thought of as panacea for all ills and harbinger of all pleasures. Faith in money power is the blindest faith, as blind as faith in alcoholic drinks - effervescent happiness followed by hangover and misery.

Belief is in what you hear. Faith is accepting as true by experimenting with and experiencing as the truth what was heard.

Sant Jnaaneshwar, with his fellow devotees, was returning from Kaashi yatra. The queen of a small kingdom enroute wanted to invite him but was afraid the king would not agree. She secretly poisoned her four year old only son, who died as a consequence. Thereupon, she suggested to the king that the saint be invited as he may revive their son. The saint was invited and honoured and the boy sprang back to life. Such was the strength of her faith that she staked her child's life on it!

A child has innocent faith in its mother. Just a cry away. When in need it lets go a cry and mother appears! When mother beats it, it hugs her knowing she is its refuge. It will not run away.

Raama and LakshmaNa were out in search of Seetaa. On way, they stoped at river Pampa for a bath. They stuck their bows in the sands of the bank and entered the water. After His bath, when Raama pulled out His bow, blood was seen at the tip. "Brother , I have hurt a frog," He said. Lakshmana dug out the injured frog. Holding the frog in His hands and caressing it, Rama said - "Why did you not call me as soon as you were injured? I could have saved you. The frog replied -When anybody injures me, I call on you. When You yourself injured me, whom shall I call? That is animal faith, animal wisdom!

NOTE:
1. yo yacchraddhaH sa eva saH- wherein you have faith so you are ! -Geethaa.
2. Faith can move mountains.
3. As is thy faith so it will be - Jesus. Jesus was walking down road with a crowd following Him. A voice was heard from behind - let me touch his robe, let me touch his robe. Jesus stopped and asked the woman why she wants to touch his robe . It will cure my disease , she explained. Surprisede by her deep faith HE uttered those words.