085. Faith to courageous action.
Pete, who will join us for one of our mission recaps in the future, wanted me to remind you to share the podcast with a friend, subscribe, and do all the usual podcast things. Your support helps us grow and reach more people who can benefit from these insights.
We have been exploring the "Shraddha" concept introduced in Chapter 1, Verse 20 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This idea is beautifully encapsulated in Swami Hariharananda Aranya's definition: "knowledge accompanied by tranquillity." This suggests that genuine faith must inherently include an aspect of peace. It's not just about what we believe but how these beliefs bring calm and stability to our lives.
For a more practical understanding, let's turn to St. Paul's words in Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we cannot see." This perspective underscores trust and certainty in the unseen, aligning with the tranquillity aspect of Shraddha. Moreover, James stresses the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs when he states, "Faith is dead without good works." This teaches us that faith is not passive; it requires active embodiment in our daily lives, empowering us to make a tangible difference.
Aligning our actions with our beliefs and faith is not just important, it's crucial. This alignment ensures that our faith is not just a mental or emotional state but a lived reality that influences our behaviours and decisions. Next week, we will delve into the concept of "virya" or vigor. This exploration will build on our current understanding and offer new insights into how we can cultivate and sustain our spiritual energy, inspiring us to live our faith more fully.
Swami Satchidananda reminds us that we must have faith; if faith seems elusive, we should at least have courage. This wisdom emphasizes that courage can be the first step toward developing true faith. It's a reassuring thought that even when we struggle with doubt, being courageous can lead us toward more profound, more tranquil faith.
