Recently, I came across Bhagat Singh’s book, “Why I Am an Atheist,” and it struck a chord with me. In it, he writes:
“By the end of 1926, I had been convinced as to the baselessness of the theory of the existence of an almighty supreme being who created, guided, and controlled the universe. I had given out this disbelief of mine. I began discussions on the subject with my friends. I had become a pronounced atheist.”
This got me thinking deeply about the concept of God and how people perceive it. Most of us grow up believing in an all-powerful, all-knowing God who controls everything—our lives, our struggles, and our destinies. But the more I reflected on this idea, the more I realized how flawed it is.
I was born into Jainism, a religion that believes in God but also teaches that every soul has the potential to become God. I won’t go into the specifics of how and why this is possible because that’s not the point of this blog. If you’re curious, you’ll find the answers yourself.
Instead, I want to share a story that might help you understand why believing in an all-powerful God is, in my opinion, a flawed perspective. But believing in someone who embodies the best version of themselves and inspires you to do the same—that’s a belief worth having.
The Story of the Woman and the Jain Monk
A woman once went to a Jain monk and said, “My God saved my husband. He had cancer, but now he’s healed.”
The monk replied, “I don’t believe in this. If God had to save him, why did He give him cancer in the first place?”
This simple yet profound statement made me question the idea of an all-powerful God who controls everything. If God is responsible for both our suffering and our salvation, then what’s the point of praying or striving to be better?
This is exactly what Bhagat Singh and millions of others are starting to question. They reject the idea of a God who creates problems only to solve them later. Instead, they seek a deeper, more meaningful understanding of existence.
The Jain Concept of God: A Mirror to Ourselves
In Jainism, the concept of God is different. It’s not about worshipping an all-powerful being who controls our lives. Instead, it’s about seeing God as a mirror—a reflection of the best version of ourselves.
When you look at God, you see your own flaws, your weaknesses, and your potential. It’s not about asking God to solve your problems; it’s about realizing that you have the power to solve them yourself.
This idea resonates deeply with me. It removes the false notion that God is responsible for our struggles and instead empowers us to take control of our lives.
The God I Believe In
The God I believe in isn’t an all-powerful being who controls everything. Instead, I believe in the idea that before me, there were countless individuals who faced unimaginable hardships and still rose above them. They became the best versions of themselves, not because of divine intervention, but because of their own strength, determination, and resilience.
This belief motivates me. It reminds me that if they could overcome their struggles, so can I. It’s not about waiting for God to fix my problems; it’s about looking within myself and finding the strength to fight back.