The Mystery of Faith Series: When a Child Blessed a Poor Woman.
Of Giving, Non-Dualities, and Renunciation.
From my post on the introduction to this series:
One of the most striking aspects of the roots of this land lies in spirituality and faith.
It runs like a river through the vastness of the region, undeterred by any obstacle, barrier, or passage of time, carrying with it tales of magic, belief, faith, unwavering intent, and miracles.
William James, the 19th-century American philosopher and founder of the modern discipline of psychology, is believed to have said,“The greatest discovery of the 19th century is not in the realm of physical science. The greatest discovery was the power of the subconscious touched by faith.”1 He also said, “Belief creates the fact.”
In the third part of this premium series, I retell an ancient tale of a renowned Indian monk that continues to showcase how faith works in this ancient land.
As I have shared in earlier posts, renunciation is an accepted way of life for many who seek a higher truth.
In fact, attaining the Self is considered the ultimate goal1 of human life, with any other pursuits seen as mere illusions that keep a person ensnared in the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Some feel this calling at an early age, while others may experience it later in life.
A rare few are chosen and initiated into monastic life by Gurus—monks themselves—who recognize in them exceptional intelligence, a devotional nature, or a Divine spark.
The stories of ancient and pre-modern India are filled with miraculous tales of such monks and their lives.
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