Mystic Mantra: Who is God?

God is the most talked about entity in the world. People have various views, beliefs and concepts about him. These have been in existence from time immemorial. Even in Vedic times, some believed that he existed, some that he did not. We have no doubt about our own existence, but we have doubts about the existence of God, because of whom we exist! God is the truth. The truth does not depend on our beliefs or non-beliefs, however logical, learned and intelligent they may be.

Even amongst those who believe in God, the beliefs and reasons for them differ. Some have inborn faith, some have faith due to their religious upbringing, some are philosophers, others are theologists, yet others are religious and claim to be spiritual — each believes in their concept of God.

Certain differences in beliefs are glaring and obvious, whereas others are slight and subtle. The theist believes in God who makes and governs creation, the deist believes he creates but does not govern creation, and the pantheist believes that divinity is immanent in creation.

The non-believers too differ. The apostate renounces his belief, the schist is divisive in his belief, whereas the heretic opposes all beliefs. The atheist disbelieves in God’s existence and the agnostic has a concept that God is unknowable.

Is God a creation of the human mind? Is he a concept? Concepts are finite and speak of only some aspects of God. Some are definitely beneficial. For example, the faith that God is the protector, that he is compassionate gives us courage and solace. However, the infinite Lord is beyond all concepts and imaginations. It is said that “God defined is God defiled” as a finite concept of God cannot be the Lord of the infinite universe. God is the infinite truth, the illuminator of all thoughts, and therefore, remains untouched and untainted by any views, standpoints or concepts about him.

There may be doubts about the nature of God, but how there can be any doubt about his existence? His glory is perceived by us as this most enchanting world. The unimaginable expanse of countless cosmoses, the varied beings, the inexplicable working of the universe, the unbelievable beauty of nature — are manifestations of his glory. The Vedas say: “All that we can possibly perceive and conceive is his glory alone. He is still far beyond his manifested glory.”

Who is Isha/God? Isha/Ishwar is one who rules. God is omnipotent — all powerful and the undisputed Lord of the universe. He is totally independent and can do, undo and do otherwise, anything and everything he wills.

However, this can be appreciated only when we turn inwards. Then we see his glory everywhere and become free of all worldly sorrows.