Understanding the Present of God in Our Lives

Throughout history and across cultures, the concept of God has been central to spirituality and religious practice. The idea that God is present in our lives in different forms and aspects has been a source of comfort and enlightenment for many believers. This article explores the various manifestations of God in our lives and the ways in which we can connect with Him.

God Available 24/7

God is available to us all the time, 24/7. It is important to talk to Him and take time for prayer. Starting a daily prayer routine can be challenging, but keeping it consistent and quiet can help. Using a timer can be a helpful tool to start, and over time, the practice can be enhanced to include longer periods of silent contemplation. Continuous prayer not only brings peace but also leads to a deeper understanding of God's presence.

God's Presence in the Heart

The Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures describe God's presence in the heart of every individual. In the material form of Paramatma, He resides as a thumb-sized form within each human heart. Srila Prabhupada, in his enlightening talks, suggested that understanding this presence requires years of meditation. However, the thumb measurement is a symbolic representation of the proportion between the individual soul and the divine, illustrating that God is always with us, if we choose to accept and see His presence.

God in Us as the Soul

Beyond the physical body, God is present within us as the soul. Our physical existence may terminate, but the soul persists, carrying the karmic imprints of our actions. Through spiritual practices, we can work towards releasing ourselves from these binds and attaining moksha, or liberation. This spiritual journey involves free will and action, guided by the eternal and ever-present God within our hearts.

Paramatma and Supersoul

Focusing on sections from the Bhagavad Gita and the Svetasvatara Upanisad, we see that God is present in our hearts as Paraatma, the Supersoul. In verse 18.61, Lord Krishna states, "I am situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and am the compiler of consciousness. From Me come rememberance, knowledge, and forgetfulness. I am the divisor of dharma and also of adharma." This indicates that there is a transcendent element within us that is beyond our own thinking and actions, but also supervises them. In verse 13.23, Krishna elaborates, "There is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the Supreme Truth... the Lord exists as the unlimited and eternal witness, overruling all." This shows that the Paramatma is distinct from the individual soul, transcending the finite and material.

God as a Friend and Guide

The relationship between the individual soul and Paramatma is unlike any other. As spiritual beings, we are eternal parts of the Supreme Lord, and our true nature is to remain in a harmonious relationship with Him. Though our desire to act independently may sometimes lead us astray, the Paramatma is always present to guide and support us. As stated in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna calls out to Arjuna, "Give it up and turn your faith toward Me. Then you will be happy." By integrating this divine guidance into our lives, we can progress towards spiritual bliss and ultimate liberation.

Conclusion

Understanding the present of God in our lives is a profound and transformative journey. Whether through the continuous practice of prayer, the symbolic representation of Paramatma within our hearts, or the constant guidance of the Supersoul, God is always available to us. Embracing this presence can bring peace, fulfillment, and a deeper sense of purpose.