Some People Think God Is a Service Provider
Then there are the अर्थार्थी bhaktas – who want something from God. Only something from God. They think God is a service provider, that too free of cost. He has to be punctual, prompt, and perfect. And free. Or maximum, they are ready to spend a few hundred or thousands.
They expect a China-made Sri Yantra costing 2000 rupees delivered at their doorstep by courier to change their lives. To make them billionaires overnight. It is even better if the Sri Yantra comes as a free 'specially for you' along with a mobile phone or earphone purchased online.
They expect a Dakshinavarthy Shankh moulded from calcium carbonate powder in lakhs of pieces in China to change their life. To bring luck and fortune in life. To get a good wife. To have a child.
They go to a particular temple on Saturday because then you get this. They go to a particular temple on Tuesday because you get that. Stop the supply for one day, and then that God is gone from their life. Look for another.
You go to this temple, break one coconut, and your life changes. The next day, you will find them standing in the line. God is there to distribute freebies to them.
Beware God – if you don't want me to lose my faith in you, if you don't want me to go around and bad-mouth about you – that God, not really – I didn't get any result, better get my work done. Better give me what I want.
He is an अर्थार्थी bhakta. Always clear and focused – God is there to give, and I am here to take. The अर्थार्थी bhakta.
-
Why does devotion turn into bargaining?
Because desire is in the driver’s seat. When results become the only goal, the divine is reduced to a tool, and the heart forgets love, gratitude, and duty. -
Is it wrong to ask for wealth, health, or success?
No. Ask, but do not anchor faith to outcomes. Seek what is needed, accept what comes, and keep working with integrity. -
If Bhagavan is compassionate, why don’t prayers always work?
Because prayers do not erase causality. Karma, timing, and our own effort still operate. Grace guides, strengthens, and redirects, but it does not license shortcuts. -
Do sacred objects or rituals guarantee results?
They focus the mind and purify intention. Without inner change and right action, they remain props, not pathways. -
Does prayer conflict with reason and effort?
Never. Pray to align the mind; reason to choose wisely; work to complete the circle. Prayer without effort is escapism; effort without prayer is ego-heavy. -
What is a mature way to pray?
Ask clearly, commit to righteous action, surrender the result. Replace anxiety with trust and entitlement with gratitude. -
How do I know I am growing spiritually?
Less greed, less fear, steadier mind, kinder speech, cleaner choices. Progress shows up as character, not collectibles. -
Why do people hop from one ritual or place to another?
Impatience and thrill-seeking. Depth needs staying power; wisdom grows by fidelity to practice, not novelty. -
How should I handle disappointment in worship?
Treat it as feedback, not betrayal. Review your effort, motives, and attachments. Convert frustration into discipline. -
What is the right balance between karma and grace?
Do all that is yours to do, fully and ethically. Trust grace to open doors you cannot see, and to close the ones that would harm you. -
What does surrender actually mean?
Not passivity. It is wholehearted action without clutching at outcomes, keeping the heart soft and the will steady. -
How can I avoid spiritual consumerism?
Seek transformation, not transactions. Keep a daily practice, serve others, and measure gains in clarity, humility, and courage.
English
Vishnu Sahasranama
Click on any topic to open
7
30
Astrology
Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavatam
Bharat Matha
Devi
Devi Mahatmyam
Ganapathy
Garuda Puranam
Glory of Venkatesha
Hanuman
Kathopanishad
Mahabharatam
Mantra Shastra
Mystique
Practical Wisdom
Purana Stories
Radhe Radhe
Ramayana
Rare Topics
Rigveda Explained
Rituals
Sages and Saints
Shiva
Spiritual books
Sri Suktam
Story of Sri Yantra
Temples
Vedas
Vishnu Sahasranama
Yoga Vasishta
26
17
10
0
