Dr. Shiben Krishen Raina
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, chances encounter often that unfold stories which touch the heart and leave a lasting impact. Such was my experience during a routine visit to a bank in India, where a simple act of kindness connected me with an elderly gentleman and his profound perspective on the sanctity of our homes.
As I navigated through the transactions at the bank, I noticed an elderly man standing in a corner, seemingly in need of assistance. His trembling hands revealed the challenges he faced in filling out a withdrawal slip. Without hesitation, I offered to help, and as our interaction unfolded, I became a part of a larger narrative about the significance of our homes.
After successfully completing the transaction, the elderly man, grateful for my assistance, sought help once again – this time, in finding a rickshaw or cab to take him home. In a moment of spontaneous goodwill, I offered to drop him off, an act that would unveil the true essence of his humble abode.
Upon reaching his home, I was met with the apprehensive gaze of his elderly wife, who couldn’t help but wonder about the stranger accompanying her husband. To dispel her concerns, the old man explained that my presence was merely an act of courtesy and civility. It was during this exchange that he shared the unique tradition of calling their home ‘God’s Abode.’
The significance behind this term was both enlightening and thought-provoking. According to the elderly man, considering their home as the ‘Abode of God’ meant recognizing that they were merely occupants, and the true owner of everything under the Sun was the divine. In a world where possessions are often mistaken for ownership, this perspective invited a profound probe from me into their understanding.
As the conversation continued, the elderly man emphasized that referring to their home as ‘God’s Abode’ instilled virtuous thoughts, fostering a sense of peace and positivity. He passionately asserted that while many anticipate bliss in God’s abode after death, they were fortunate to experience God’s bliss while they were still alive.
This encounter left me contemplating the significance of our homes and the values they reflect. Indeed, a house is not merely a structure; it is a mirror reflecting the owner’s character, values, and dignity. When we visit others’ homes, we can discern the nature of its occupants – whether they are warm and friendly or cold and unfriendly, diligent or lazy, worldly or un-worldly.
The old man and his wife, with their spiritual and divine character, served as living examples of the belief that each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit, where God resides. They reminded me that acknowledging God as the owner of our souls and homes is essential for navigating the temptations of the world.
In conclusion, the concept of ‘God’s Abode’ challenges us to reassess our understanding of ownership and embrace the idea that our homes are merely on loan from the divine. When we recognize God as the true owner of our houses, souls, and places of worship, we find ourselves guided towards virtuous paths. In this realization, God becomes our eternal companion, our savior, and our redeemer. May we all strive to make our homes a reflection of God’s abode.
(The writer is Former Fellow, IIAS Shimla).
