We are taught to believe in a jealous God who does favors to those who worship him, and hold them for those who don’t - God, that wants constant appreciations, favors, and sacrifices and wants to be worshipped all the time.
We believe he showers blessings upon his favorite ones, or becomes angry and throws wrath upon those who disobey him.
Interestingly, some people even believe that they have the responsibility of ‘protecting God from his enemies’ and that it’s their duty to establish his rule over all people and bring the whole world under the control of “their God”. As if some of the worlds might be ruled by the other gods, the enemies of their own god.
If the whole universe is created and controlled by the ‘one supreme God’ - if he is all-powerful and omnipotent, then why does he need help from his faithful and obedient people to destroy his enemies and disobedient ones?
It is said in the Bible that ‘God made man in His own image’.
We think since we are his image, then he must be like us.
Therefore, we perceive Him just like a human being - but are these the qualities of a true, just, most merciful and loving God?
We attribute man-like qualities to God because we cannot think beyond our own perceptions, and expectations. So we create and perceive a God in our own image.
In reality:
"मूढ़ोअयम् नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् "
“Moodho Ayam Naabhi Janaati Loko Maamajmavayam”
The ignorant do not know that I (God) am beyond birth and death and without attributes)
‘Bhagvad Gita’ (Chapter 8, Shlok 25)
रूपु न रेख न रंगु किछु त्रिहु गुण ते प्रभ भिंन ॥
We believe he showers blessings upon his favorite ones, or becomes angry and throws wrath upon those who disobey him.
Interestingly, some people even believe that they have the responsibility of ‘protecting God from his enemies’ and that it’s their duty to establish his rule over all people and bring the whole world under the control of “their God”. As if some of the worlds might be ruled by the other gods, the enemies of their own god.
If the whole universe is created and controlled by the ‘one supreme God’ - if he is all-powerful and omnipotent, then why does he need help from his faithful and obedient people to destroy his enemies and disobedient ones?
It is said in the Bible that ‘God made man in His own image’.
We think since we are his image, then he must be like us.
Therefore, we perceive Him just like a human being - but are these the qualities of a true, just, most merciful and loving God?
We attribute man-like qualities to God because we cannot think beyond our own perceptions, and expectations. So we create and perceive a God in our own image.
In reality:
"मूढ़ोअयम् नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् "
“Moodho Ayam Naabhi Janaati Loko Maamajmavayam”
The ignorant do not know that I (God) am beyond birth and death and without attributes)
‘Bhagvad Gita’ (Chapter 8, Shlok 25)
रूपु न रेख न रंगु किछु त्रिहु गुण ते प्रभ भिंन ॥
Roop na rang na rekh kichhu, Trihu gun tay Prabh bhinn
God is beyond any form, shape or color, and any attributes or characteristics whatsoever
(Sukhmani Sahib)
Roop Rang tay rekhon nyaaray tainu lakh pranaam karaan
(Avtar Bani)
The great Vedas proclaim Him as ‘Svayambhu’, one who is by Himself, without a second… neither created nor can be attributed to any worldly qualities.
‘Svayambhu’ is translated as ‘Saibhang’ in Gurubani.
And:
“Thaapeyaa na jaye, Keetaa na hoye
Aapay aap Niranjan soye”
(Japuji Sahib)
Neither can be established nor can be created,
He is simply - Himself.
Knowing thus can set us free from delusions and misconceptions about God and Truth.
‘Rajan Sachdeva’
God is beyond any form, shape or color, and any attributes or characteristics whatsoever
(Sukhmani Sahib)
Roop Rang tay rekhon nyaaray tainu lakh pranaam karaan
(Avtar Bani)
The great Vedas proclaim Him as ‘Svayambhu’, one who is by Himself, without a second… neither created nor can be attributed to any worldly qualities.
‘Svayambhu’ is translated as ‘Saibhang’ in Gurubani.
And:
“Thaapeyaa na jaye, Keetaa na hoye
Aapay aap Niranjan soye”
(Japuji Sahib)
Neither can be established nor can be created,
He is simply - Himself.
Knowing thus can set us free from delusions and misconceptions about God and Truth.
‘Rajan Sachdeva’
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ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the perspective along with support from scriptures in the lesson. Thank you
ReplyDeleteSpritual understanding of oneness is very imp ... great reminder ..
ReplyDeleteTa ki sharan padyo hai nanek dass
Ja ke uper ko nahèe ...
Great article ...
ReplyDeleteI want to add a sher - couplet
Jis ne is daur ke insaan kiye hain paida
Woh mera bhi khuda ho -Mujhe manzoor nahin hai
We have created our own God to suit us.
Truth is - we are all part of the same supreme reality
Dr.Jagdish Sachdeva