The Lenient God

We all like things to be done certain way. Whether we call those personal rules or just call them that's-the-way-I-like; we all have defined a certain way of living for us. And for even two persons to cohabit there needs to be compromises and it always ends with one party being slightly (or extremely) unhappy about the compromise reached knowingly or unknowingly. There are times when egos are too blunt resulting in a sword-fight that have repercussions that we all are too familiar with.

This is the reality of material realm. In a spiritual realm we want to cohabit with God (or some may say become an inseparable part of God or become God-like). Whatever the case be we've to first begin by knowing God and then try to be friends. In Hinduism (or for that matter any religion) there are defined certain "rules" in scriptures that form the basis of propitiating God. 

As Hindus we are all too familiar with the concept of "vrat" (or fasting). Even if we go by the path of Karm Yog (or following rituals to elevate ourselves spiritually) there are certain rules a person has to follow. As saints have pointed out that "vrat" essentially mean sacrificing worldly desires in our mind to remember just God for a period of time. However in the current times it has been reduced to "fasting" or not eating a regular sumptuous meal but perhaps substitute it with other non-regular sumptuous meals!

The definition of vrat has changed so tangentially in the modern times but we still believe we are serving the underlying purpose of the ritual! Yet God has no problem at all. He doesn't argue with us or points us that we are either being ignorant or untruthful. God forgives us without any reprimand or threat for breaking our rules. God is happy we've tried and have thought about Him. So leniency is the nature of our friend we're trying to please. No rules just self-less love is what is needed.