FAITH

THE BASIC FAITH

A MAN must have some kind of faith before he undertakes a work. Further, he feels joy when he thinks of it. Only then does he set about performing the work. Suppose a jar of gold coins is hidden under-ground. First of all a man must have faith that the jar of gold coins is there. He feels joy at the thought of the jar. Then he begins to dig. As he removes the earth he hears a metallic sound. That increases his joy. Next he sees a corner of the jar. That gives him more joy. Thus his joy is ever on the increase.

Standing on the porch of the Kali temple, I have watched the ascetics preparing their smoke of hemp.

I have seen their face beaming with joy in anticipation of the smoke. (64)