Once a man was about to cross the sea. Vibhishana wrote Rama’s name on a leaf, tied it in a corner of the man’s wearing-cloth, and said to him: ‘Don’t be afraid. Have faith and walk on the water. But look here – the moment you lose faith you will be drowned.’
The man was walking easily on the water. Suddenly he had an intense desire to see what was tied in his cloth. He opened it and found only a leaf with the name of Rama written on it. ‘What is this?’ he thought. ‘Just the name of Rama!’ As soon as doubt entered his mind he sank under the water.
You must have heard about the tremendous power of faith. … Rama, who was God Himself – the embodiment of Absolute Brahman – had to build a bridge to cross the sea to Ceylon. But Hanuman, trusting in Rama’s name, cleared the sea in one jump and reached the other side. He had no need of a bridge.
You will certainly realize God if you have firm faith. You may believe in God with form or in God without form, but your faith must be sincere and whole-hearted.
Meaning And Explanation:
The story of the man walking on water with the power of Rama's name, shared in your text, beautifully illustrates the tremendous power of faith in Hinduism. The symbolism and message it carries are deeply significant, transcending time and cultures, making it relevant even in today’s world. Let’s explore this story further, diving into its deeper meaning, the importance of faith, and its parallels in other traditions.
Deeper Meaning & Symbolism
The man walking on water with Rama's name inscribed on a leaf represents the journey of life, where faith serves as the guiding force. The name of Rama here is not just a word but symbolizes the divine power that upholds and sustains those who believe. Vibhishana’s instruction — to walk on water with faith and avoid doubt — is a metaphor for how spiritual or life challenges can be overcome by unwavering trust in a higher power or deeper truth.
The moment the man doubts the power of Rama's name, he sinks. This sinking symbolizes the weakness that arises from doubt, fear, and lack of belief. When one loses faith in the divine or in oneself, life becomes overwhelming, just as the water engulfs the man in the story.
Importance of Faith in Hinduism
Faith, or Shraddha, is considered one of the essential virtues in Hindu philosophy. It is more than just belief; it is a deep conviction in the existence of a higher reality, the efficacy of spiritual practices, and the words of scriptures and saints. Faith acts as a foundation for spiritual growth, enabling one to:
- Transcend Fear: Faith dissolves fear, as seen with Hanuman, who could leap across the ocean simply by trusting in Rama’s name. The belief in the divine leads to confidence and courage in the face of adversity.
- Achieve the Impossible: Like the man walking on water, faith empowers individuals to surpass ordinary human limitations. It instills resilience and perseverance, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
- Connect with the Divine: Faith is a medium through which one connects with God, whether one believes in God with form (Saguna Brahman) or God without form (Nirguna Brahman). Both are valid paths, and the sincerity of one's faith determines their spiritual progress.
Relevance in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced world, filled with uncertainties, anxieties, and material distractions, faith offers a sense of purpose and peace. Whether in personal or professional life, challenges can be overwhelming. The key lesson from the story is that faith serves as a shield against doubt and despair, allowing individuals to:
- Overcome challenges: Modern life demands us to walk "on the waters" of uncertainty, just as the man did. Faith gives people the strength to continue moving forward, despite the odds.
- Stay grounded in values: In an era where materialism and self-doubt often dominate, faith helps keep individuals connected to their core values, ethics, and spiritual beliefs.
- Cultivate resilience: As Hanuman leapt across the ocean with the power of faith, modern individuals can leap across their own metaphorical oceans of hardship with a firm belief in themselves and their guiding principles.
Faith Across Different Cultures
Faith is a universal theme across many religions and cultures.
Christianity: The story of Peter walking on water with Jesus resonates strongly with the tale of the man walking on water with Rama’s name. Peter begins to sink when he loses faith, similar to the man in the Hindu story. The message is the same — faith in the divine is a source of strength, while doubt weakens.
Islam: In Islam, the concept of Tawakkul (trust in God) is central, emphasizing complete reliance on God’s will. The faithful are encouraged to place their trust in Allah, much like the man who trusted in Rama's name.
Buddhism: Although Buddhism emphasizes individual effort on the path to enlightenment, Saddha (faith) is vital for following the Buddha's teachings and attaining Nirvana. The faith in the Dharma is a source of guidance.
Practicality in Today’s Life
While faith in God or religion may be declining in some modern societies, the concept of faith in something larger than oneself is still crucial. It can be faith in:
A higher purpose: Faith in a personal mission, in doing good, or in contributing to the world can offer tremendous emotional and psychological support.
Self-belief: Many people today find value in trusting their inner strength and convictions, a form of secular faith that pushes them toward success.
Faith in the human spirit: The modern world, with its diverse challenges, often calls for faith in humanity, compassion, and kindness — all of which bring people together and foster a more inclusive society.
Benefits of Faith
Mental Peace: Faith brings serenity, allowing individuals to surrender worries and anxieties to a higher power, whether that power is God, nature, or destiny.
Focus and Determination: Like Hanuman, people with faith are often more focused and determined, pushing forward in their tasks with single-minded devotion.
Community Support: Faith traditions often create strong communities that offer mutual support, particularly during challenging times.
Similar Thoughts in Hinduism
In Hinduism, faith is not blind belief but is backed by experience and wisdom. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that faith should be grounded in knowledge, leading to wisdom (Jnana). Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that whatever one believes in sincerely and with conviction, that very belief becomes their path to realization.
Karma Yoga: Acting with faith in the divine without attachment to results is central to the philosophy of Karma Yoga. This faith in the divine plan reduces stress and allows one to act selflessly.
Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti, or devotional love, is driven by intense faith in God, as seen in the lives of saints like Mirabai and Tulsidas, who lived with unwavering devotion.
The power of faith, as depicted in the story of the man walking on water, remains timeless. Whether in the context of spirituality or everyday life, faith acts as an invisible force that can help individuals overcome challenges, instill confidence, and connect to a higher purpose. Faith transcends religious boundaries, offering guidance and strength to anyone who embraces it, whether in the form of belief in God, destiny, humanity, or oneself. It is a reminder that, as long as we maintain unwavering faith, we can navigate even the most tumultuous waters of life.