Another example, a book of quantum physics; again, not some pop tome such as “The Tao of Physics,” but, rather Einstein’s’ own basis for the Theory of Relativity or the mathematical formulae in The Emperor’s New Mind. Again, would not the language before you not only remain undecipherable but suggest an entirely “other” plane of consciousness, a plane un-glimpsed, perhaps even unknown, to the common man. “

Let us now turn to a religious scripture, the Bhagavad Gita is a good choice. Although you might be quite familiar with it and it’s language and format, for many people a book such as the Gita or, indeed, any religious scripture will be as alien and incomprehensible as the previously mentioned musical score or scientific tome. Another plane of consciousness, yet one no less real than any of the others mentioned before. Unfortunately, for them, some folks cannot accept the existence of this particular area of existence. They lack the key to enter there, the key of faith.

Srila B.R. Sridhar Maharaja, one of the foremost sages of modern times, who was noted for his saintly lifestyle and his his intellectual acumen and ability to distill the meaning of the worlds oldest and most philosophically astute scriptures (the Vedas of India) and present them in unique and relevant ways, often used this metaphor of the “planes of consciousness” while explaining the paramount importance of faith in our religious lives. The existence of these planes is easy to comprehend, on one level, the level of gross sense experience, most people dwell; they react to sensual input, make arrangements to live comfortably and use the skills picked up along their lives to exist contentedly, scarcely dreaming that there can be more to life than eating, fornicating and defecating their way to the inevitable grave. But on a higher level, the plane of intellect- an expanded view of life is revealed. Here dwell the scientists artists, historians who have the key to another plane of life; they have an awareness that the world contains much more than meets the eye, and the ability to communicate this to like-minded individuals.

To attain admittance to the planes of science, music, and art much study and discipline is needed, in some cases years of it. And the more study and austerity undertaken, the greater the reward. The human spirit seems capable of incredible feats of intellect and even inspiration which can be glimpsed even by those of us who dwell far from these awe-inspiring areas but nevertheless have the capacity to appreciate the wonders of life and the universe. It is just such capacities, awarded to us by nature, or the Supreme, which when developed harmoniously, allow us the most complete, honest picture of existence. The capacity to love, to feel, the intellectual capacity, each reveals more to us, and the more they are developed, the more complete and whole we feel. Nobody, it seems, would ever decry any human potential as useless, and yet, the capacity of Faith is somehow considered different, an aberration, an outmoded mistake, as if nature had “goofed “ in one instance of human design. Yet, just as there is a plane of sense reaction, just as there is a plane of intellect, there is a plane of spirit, and the way to get there is through Faith.

“But how can I have faith in something I can’t see?,” the skeptic might ask. The sadhu can reply, “Can one see the atoms spoken of by scientists, can one see the mind and it’s wonders? Not offhand, but it is possible through struggle and application. Then what wonders are opened to you!”

The plane of spirit, of soul, is most wondrous of all, so how much more must we struggle to attain it. And it is worth attaining, as the scientists of the spirit, the great saints sages and yogis have revealed to us. “Dive deep into the plane of spirit, there you will find your sweet, sweet home,” Swami B.R.Sridhar has told us and sraddha, faith, is the key to that realm. Just as academic discipline develops the mind, faith develops the spirit, who alone can comprehend the endless wealth available to us?

Admittedly it is not an easy journey, there have been many more scholars and artists than saints, although at times a fortunate blend occurs. The greater the reward, the harder the struggle. “No risk-no gain” it has been said. And is it worth the risk, anyway? Those who have had even a glimpse of the Land of Faith assert that it is, so much so that, although the Upanishads warn of the difficulty of spiritual life, and point out that achieving Krsna consciousness may take not only a lifetime, but lifetimes of work, we are advised that it is more than worth the struggle to achieve. Sri Jagganatha Vasudev, a companion of the renowned Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, when he was informed that he would achieve God consciousness in a million lifetimes, danced with joy at the prospect!

Although I’ve mentioned struggle and austerity, I must remind our readers that the realm of spirit is a realm of love. Our presence is actually desired there, and the great saints and devotees who dwell on that plane are distributing the nectar of that love far and wide. In fact, that is the mission of the Vaishnava, the true devotee, and one of the exercises of our capacity for faith is to find someone, a teacher of spiritual knowledge and aid that person in his or her quest to awaken everyone to their real potential.

It is my heartfelt wish that every sincere soul may come in contact with a genuine Vaishnava, and I must also confess my own gratitude at having come into contact myself with the plane of faith, through the persons of Srila B.S. Govinda Maharaja, Srila B.R.Sridhar Maharaja and their sincere followers. Faith is the Key.

Gaur Hari Bol! Hare Krsna!