How faith can make us open-minded

We live in a vast and complex world, wherein we seek safety and happiness by rearranging things according to our desires and plans. Our desires, when well-considered, can point us to a better life. And our plans, when well-executed, can take us toward that better life. For example, a student, seeking a good career, may strive to gain entry into a top university. 

However, the world often works in ways that can be perplexing, even frustrating — things may turn out the opposite of what we sought. A student, despite preparing for years, may not secure the coveted admission. When faced with such reversals, our mind’s feelings may degenerate to anguish, victimization and hopelessness: “Why did this happen to me? Why is the world against me? Things never work out for me; why should I even try anything more?” Overwhelmed by such feelings, our mind may just close down, refusing to hear any suggestions or consider any options. 

Amid such disappointments, faith can be a powerful aid. Faith centers on the principle that a divine being oversees the universe (Bhagavad-gita 09.10 ). When we contemplate this principle, our mind gradually opens to an empowering possibility: though things may have gone out of our control, they may not be entirely out of all control; they may still be part of some higher plan. Within that arrangement, what seems like a failure now may eventually turn out to be a stepping stone to success. Infused with faith, the disappointed student may consider and explore the possibility that maybe they are better suited for another career — a career that is still accessible for them. Thus, faith ensures that our mind doesn’t close with negativity and despair, but stays open with positivity and purpose. 

One-sentence summary: 

Faith opens our mind to the possibility that what we did not want or plan could work to our good. 

Think it over: 

• How may life cause our mind to close down?
• In such situations, how can faith open our mind?
• In what kind of situations does your mind tend to close down? For dealing with those situations, note some faith-centered points that can help your mind to become more open. 

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09.10: This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

To know more about this verse, please click on the image