In search of God

We all know that God really does not exist in the Church, Temple or Mosque alone, we understand that he is omnipresent, we understand that he exist in right action, we understand that he exist in every pure thought, in every heart, in every mind and in every soul. 

Sometimes when we are in fear, doubt or anxiety we start grasping for straws and we start limiting our limitless God, we build walls, barriers and gates.

Does abstinence help, well I think it does.
     Does the ambiance of a temple help, surely
             Does breathing exercise help meditate better, definitely
But well so does walking, ambiance of a trekking trail 
                           or breathing the fresh air at the mountain top

I have found inspiration in teaching of Christ, Buddha and Bhagwat Gita's different interpretations
        I have enjoyed reading the works of Swami Vivekananda, Saint Augustine, Mahatma Gandhi
But I have also found wisdom in Deepak Chopra, Steven Covey, Richard Bach, Paulo Cuelho and most importantly in the essays of my students in college.
 
I have found inspiration in a massive tree to a simple leaf
       I have found peace in a priest's wise words and in the laughter of a small child
I have found strength in huge mountains and also in my mom

I have searched but cannot claim I have found him
          But I also cannot claim that I have not !!
I have been blessed by grace many a times
          I have found peace and tranquility many times

I never prayed for a miracle and hopefully never will. I pray for strength, I pray for grace, I pray for peace of mind.

I believe in Jesus and find his teachings very sensible but I do not believe Jesus is the only way to heaven, because my God is a mighty God and I do not believe in limiting him. As Swami Vivekananda used to pray

'As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.'

The important thing I feel is:

       We need to take time out to pray, to meditate, to introspect

            We need to take time to serve, help and appreciate others

                We need to take time out to grow physically, intellectually and spiritually

 
Following is a famous verse by Kabir:
(Kabīr (1440 – 1518) was a mystic poet and saint of India, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement.) 

Moko Kahan Dhundhere Bande 
                                  Mein To Tere Paas Mein
Na Teerath Mein, Na Moorat Mein 
                                  Na Ekant Niwas Mein
Na Mandir Mein, Na Masjid Mein 
                                  Na Kabe Kailas Mein
Mein To Tere Paas Mein Bande 
                                  Mein To Tere Paas Mein
Na Mein Jap Mein, Na Mein Tap Mein 
                                  Na Mein Barat Upaas Mein
Na Mein Kiriya Karm Mein Rehta
                                  Nahin Jog Sanyas Mein
Nahin Pran Mein Nahin Pind Mein 
                                  Na Brahmand Akas Mein
Na Mein Prakuti Prawar Gufa Mein 
                                  Nahin Swasan Ki Swans Mein
Khoji Hoye Turat Mil Jaoon 
                                  Ik Pal Ki Talas Mein
Kahet Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho 
                                   Mein To Hun Viswas Mein

(In essence he is not saying God is not there in all these, but rather that God is everywhere (including all these) and most importantly he is inside in each one of us) ... so common lets Google for God

Divorce, What are the chances !!!

Context: Written seven years after incident ... with the vision of hindsight !! :-) 
(Article Draft written by Jibrael Jos for assignment on edx online english course)

Divorce happened to me, embarrassing but true. Love marriage, nice wedding, travel abroad, loving in laws, wonderful kids and boom.... Divorce.

When life does not have wrinkles we create a few, literally crumpling the very fabric of our existence. Then looking up to God and saying “Lord, why me?”

On hindsight I can see the lighter side of a break up. But guys mind you divorce is a more serious thing it leaves a bloody crater and a mushroom cloud so huge that it blocks sun, fresh air and all that is good for days, months and years.

If it happened to me it could happen to anyone. All of you sitting complacently and pointing fingers at me in your mind … think over how close you got. Does a shudder run down your spine …. If not it should. Financial crisis, emotional trauma, societal pressures (“advices”) and most importantly parenting nightmares.

By the time you pick up the broken pieces, world would have taken a couple of spins around the sun. By the time your heart mends, your hair would have turned a shade grey. You think you have grown wiser but chances are you would have been rambling and wandering around like a madman.

Adversity can be a friend, challenges can mold you, ridicule can strengthen you and like a phoenix you could rise from the ashes. Because in darkness when your shadow leaves you, you find grace. You take up life with a zest you did not know existed deep down inside you. You live with a deeper purpose. You cherish what you have and what you don’t. You find yourself, you relate with others and maybe even find God.

I introspect but refuse to live a life of regret. I despair but refuse to wallow in self-pity. I have received love in abundance, I have found respect in plenty, I have found opportunities galore. Like a wise man once said, “I have not got a cross to carry but a guitar”. Which song would you like to hear … A happy one?