So why Vaishno Devi…!! As I said earlier I am not an atheist, but logic does play some role in my approach to life. That holds good as I contemplate about this place. Geologically, what is Vaishno Devi? A geologist walking into this cave would claim that this was a fine example of rock formations, may be stalactites and stalagmites, situated at the top of the mountain. In another country, this place might have been perceived in a very different manner, may be as a tourist spot referred by Nat Geo. But then, this is India! Years ago a sage of repute would have made a journey to this location to detach from the world and meditate. Unlike the geologist, he would have perceived this place as the marvel of Mata Vaishno Devi. He saw the three goddesses in the rock formations here. And so it must have come to be known far and wide.
Perceptions may vary, but perceptions are not what make this place exceptional. There exists a much stronger power, a power above religion, above spirituality and a power above divinity…For here exists the power of FAITH. A force that can make ordinary humans do extraordinary deeds, a force that strengthens the basic human character to such a level that surpasses the need of any other ability in any form. It is not physical fitness or stamina that matters any more, otherwise how does one explain my mother’s achievement in making it to the top and back…on foot. And she was not the only one. In fact I witnessed a vast number of older ones making this trip. These were the average typical Indians, but there was nothing typical about them here. For here they all, young and old, out grew themselves. They were here to rekindle their faith. They were here to because they wanted to believe that they believed in that Almighty God. This gave them the strength to face the tough times in their lives with an invigorated conviction.
It was not a miracle that many went back and overcame their tribulations. I assume that it was the change in approach towards them that made them easier to overcome. And this came with the faith that Mata was up there watching them. If they could make this climb, they could climb over their difficulties and Mata Vaishno Devi would ensure that in their lives. Thus in a way, making this journey acted on the person’s self confidence and esteem, may be at a subconscious level. But it did have an impact.
Perceptions may vary, but perceptions are not what make this place exceptional. There exists a much stronger power, a power above religion, above spirituality and a power above divinity…For here exists the power of FAITH. A force that can make ordinary humans do extraordinary deeds, a force that strengthens the basic human character to such a level that surpasses the need of any other ability in any form. It is not physical fitness or stamina that matters any more, otherwise how does one explain my mother’s achievement in making it to the top and back…on foot. And she was not the only one. In fact I witnessed a vast number of older ones making this trip. These were the average typical Indians, but there was nothing typical about them here. For here they all, young and old, out grew themselves. They were here to rekindle their faith. They were here to because they wanted to believe that they believed in that Almighty God. This gave them the strength to face the tough times in their lives with an invigorated conviction.
It was not a miracle that many went back and overcame their tribulations. I assume that it was the change in approach towards them that made them easier to overcome. And this came with the faith that Mata was up there watching them. If they could make this climb, they could climb over their difficulties and Mata Vaishno Devi would ensure that in their lives. Thus in a way, making this journey acted on the person’s self confidence and esteem, may be at a subconscious level. But it did have an impact.
At the end of the day, it's FAITH that matters the most. Well justified piece!
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