I have always believed that one's faith is one's own. It is whatever works for you that becomes a habit. It's that invisible power that draws the best out of us, an energy that sustains us when everything seems to be crumbling.
Seven years ago we shifted into our own house. Right in front stood two beautiful temples. At that time I failed to recognise the significance of having temples close by. Tragedy struck within six months of moving into our new house. I lost my husband, I had to leave my job, I lost all that had been my world for the last 10 years, many people turned their backs on me. Those whom we'd known for many years vanished. I was left holding my six-year-old daughter under a hostile roof. I was 30 years old then.
They say pain is a great teacher. The pain of losing my husband was a wound that didn't heal no matter what I did. But deeper and more hurtful was the pain I felt when I lost faith in love and loving relationships. Perhaps it was then that I developed a relationship with God. When things went wrong I cried before Him. When I felt confused I asked for His guidance. When I felt happiness I cried with joy before Him. My faith brought me closer to myself and my God. I felt His powerful presence around me always.
Four years ago I started the practice of walking barefoot to the temple everyday, the first thing after bathing. It may seem like a ritual to some but for me it an affirmation, a small tribute to my God who holds me together. There is something about the serenity of the morning and the rhythm of the temple bells. There is an energy in collective prayer. The pure vibrations of the of the temple stir my soul and I place my sorrows, my gratitude for my happiness, my prayers for my loved ones and my deepest wishes before Him, believing in and surrendering everything to Him.
{{/usCountry}}Four years ago I started the practice of walking barefoot to the temple everyday, the first thing after bathing. It may seem like a ritual to some but for me it an affirmation, a small tribute to my God who holds me together. There is something about the serenity of the morning and the rhythm of the temple bells. There is an energy in collective prayer. The pure vibrations of the of the temple stir my soul and I place my sorrows, my gratitude for my happiness, my prayers for my loved ones and my deepest wishes before Him, believing in and surrendering everything to Him.
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