Osaka, Japan
Shraddha is a dual word that means, “faith.”
Shrad, means, “heart.” And, dha, is an active verb that means, “to place.”
Shraddha: “Where you place your heart.”
People, deep in their hearts, hold beliefs in things they think will make them happy. This belief is their faith.
In the Gita Krishna tells Arjuna that when a living being comes in contact with the lower modes of material nature, his or her original pure faith becomes tainted:
“O son of Bharata, according to one’s existence under the various modes of nature, one evolves a particular kind of faith. The living being is said to be of a particular faith according to the modes he has acquired. (Bg. 17.3)
When one’s faith is tainted it becomes artificial. Impelled by such artificial faith, one works for many causes that are not in one’s real interest and that do not bring ultimate happiness.
Through the practice of bhakti – especially hearing and chanting – the bhakti yogi purifies his or her faith, which then shines forth as pure devotion to Krishna and brings him or her transcendental happiness.
Notice where you place your heart.
Om tat sat
Hare Krishna!
With gratitude and affection,
Vaisesika Dasa
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