“Have a little faith” is an expression often used in a light way, perhaps by those who are trying to prove themselves to you. But in fact, true faith is the bedrock of both spiritual success and the ability to withstand the storms and trials of life.
How many times do we despair when we encounter difficulties? Often we are faced with a choice: worry and anxiety on one hand, or acceptance and faith on the other. Faith is especially important when facing situations—like a pandemic or political conflict—over which we have no control.
There is a fascinating passage in Autobiography of a Yogi: “[Babaji] is in constant communion with Christ; together they send out vibrations of redemption, and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age. The work of these two fully-illumined masters—one with the body, and one without it—is to inspire the nations to forsake suicidal wars, race hatreds, religious sectarianism, and the boomerang-evils of materialism. Babaji is well aware of the trend of modern times, especially of the influence and complexities of Western civilization, and realizes the necessity of spreading the self-liberations of yoga equally in the West and in the East.”
This world is in the hands of God and the great ones, and we suffer needlessly when we forget this. One time, as Swami Kriyananda was preparing to leave India, one of the leaders asked him, “How can we carry on without you?” His reply was both profound and comforting, something we can all keep in mind: “Remember, this work is not your work. It is not my work. It is the work of Babaji and Master.”
One time some disciples begged Anandamayee Ma to do something to alleviate the turmoil and suffering caused by the partition that followed Indian independence. After a long period of meditation, Ma said simply, “Don’t you think that He who created this world knows how to run it?”
Patanjali said that faith is a foremost pathway to Self-realization. Swami Kriyananda further explains that “faith means far more than belief. . . . Belief on the spiritual path is important, for without it one will not even follow the path. Faith, however, depends on results; the greater the results, the greater the faith. As success in any scientific effort demands also devotion to the goal, so, the greater the faith, the greater also the devotion (in this case, to the goal of oneness with God).”
Ask Master and Divine Mother to strengthen your faith, and you will add their limitless power to your own.
How do we develop faith? Here are three things that will help:
1) Accept that it will take time and effort for your belief to mature into the kind of successful results that produce faith. We are all works in progress.
2) Include God and Gurus in this effort. Ask Master and Divine Mother to strengthen your faith, and you will add their limitless power to your own.
3) Offer all your problems and anxieties, your hopes and dreams, at the feet of Divine Mother. Do this especially toward the end of your meditation. Feel that you are not a separate entity, but just a drop in the ocean of all that is.
A recent psychological study concluded that there is one single best way to stop anxiety in its tracks. It suggests that, whenever the mind starts to worry, one should repeat a simple key word or short phrase, rather like a mantra. Something like, “relax” or “be calm.” I suggest that we add another to the list: “Have a little faith.”
In the Divine,
Nayaswami Jyotish
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16 Comments
Your thoughts on faith, deepen my trust in how, when and where God is working. Thank you.
Additionally, how safe is Ananda from all the forest fires in the area?
You and all who are or have been affected are remembered in prayer.
Please take good care.
We all need faith especially now. Trusting that the Master’s know exactly what they are doing through our willing minds and bodies. Thank you Jyotish for the reminder.🙏🏼🌹
Dear Jyotish & Devi – I am deeply grateful for the wisdom and compassion that both of you share with all of us that are blessed with your inspiring posts. Thank you. Aum Guru, Prakriti
We are all works in progress.
He who created this world knows how to run its own so encouraging 🙏🙏
Remembering the art of surrendering during testing times is like an elixir that restores true Faith in the Mother/Father God and our connection to the mystery of all that is.
…for we must be reminded constantly to Let Go and let the Grace of the Divine work through us.
Much love and gratitude for the inspiration and the wisdom in your words.
Thanku soo much ,i felt sooo good calm relaxed touched after reading the blog ,”have a little faith l”jus touched my soul ..i felt like lord Krishna jus answered my prayers ..i m so happy .❤😊
Thank you dear soul. So easy to forget that God and Guru are in charge. Constant reminders are helpful but deeper faith demands focus and commitment. Thank you for both the reminder and the example of commitment. Namaste
Thank you 💞 thank you ❤️ thank you ☺️ this is what I believe in and try to remember my faith and believe.
As sometimes I am weak and forget .
Lord and my Divine mother and grace.
Lots of love.
Thank you so much for this important reminder to have a little faith!
In the talk “Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Growth” from Treasures Along the Path, Swami Kriyananda mentions faith. He says that if you love God more deeply and remain in tune inwardly, then nothing will be able to touch you. When you are going through sorrow or difficulties you can focus on attunement and faith.
https://www.treasuresalongthepath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/overcoming-obstacles-spiritual-growth.mp3
Thank you Jyothish Ji . I find it very practical and useful tips to strengthen our faith in the spiritual journey.. Aum Guru
Thank you for this wonderful blog and reminding us to have more faith in thee
Thank you very much for
a uplifting message.
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Thank you for this inspiring blog. Very useful points to practice. Particularly point 3 – ‘ Offer all your problems and anxieties, your hopes and dreams, at the feet of Divine Mother’
Joy,
Prem
Have A Little Faith.
AUM GURU🙏🏻🙏🏻..
So very touching!Thank You!🪔
Warm regards ❤️
Grace