I. WE BELIEVE IN THE CREATOR

Why do we believe in the Creator? Although our mortal minds cannot conceive of Him and our physical eyes cannot perceive Him, when we contemplate the creation of the Universe and the World, we become convinced that there must be an infinitely transformative being who brought them into existence. This being is called the Creator (Le Créateur).

For example, when we see an intricately crafted object, even if we don’t know the artisan who made it, we know that a skilled craftsperson must have created it. When we see a bird fall after being struck by an arrow, even if we don’t see the archer, we know that a skilled marksman must have shot it. Similarly, we know that electricity powers our lights, propels our vehicles, and can even shock us if we touch a live wire, yet have we ever seen the form of electricity itself?

Consider the radiant sun and moon, the countless stars that twinkle in the night sky like scattered jewels, the intelligent and intricate human beings, the diverse animals and birds, the breathtaking landscapes, and the wondrous variety of plants, all changing with the seasons, with summer’s heat and winter’s cold arriving with unwavering regularity. If no one created these things, how could they exist? By observing the intricate workings of creation, we can deduce the existence of a Creator.

If this is true for even small and mundane things, how much more so for the grand creation of the Universe and the World?

Believing in the Creator as the Lord of the Universe and the World naturally leads us to revere Him above all else. We strive to keep Him in our thoughts at all times; this is the Way, and its essence lies in this constant remembrance. As the saying goes, “The Way is not something to be practiced occasionally.”

Believing in His infinite transformative power reminds us that all our actions are observed by Him. This awareness instills a sense of reverence and prevents us from committing wrongdoing (*1).

Believing in His authority to reward and punish, we understand that any happiness we experience is a precious gift from Him, while any misfortune is a form of divine correction. Therefore, the more fortunate we are, the more diligently we strive to cultivate virtue and accumulate merit. When facing adversity and hardship, we become more cautious, avoiding evil and strengthening our resolve to endure our fate, atoning for past transgressions.

Believing in His boundless compassion, mercy, and forgiveness for those who repent and reform, we turn to Him with sincere prayers in times of trouble and illness, hoping for relief and healing. Even if our prayers are not answered as we wish, we trust that it is due to past karma or lingering consequences that even divine justice cannot alter through mere supplication.

However, if our transgressions are committed in this lifetime, and we sincerely repent, cultivate virtue, and pray with all our hearts, the compassionate Supreme Being may grant us forgiveness. If our suffering stems from past lives, it is more difficult to overcome through prayer. This is due to various reasons: Firstly, we may have committed grave sins in past lives without repentance or remorse. Secondly, our current suffering might be necessary to repay past debts, paving the way for future blessings. Even if our prayers are answered, it might only result in a partial alleviation of suffering, like a condemned person receiving a reduced sentence after enduring punishment.

Moreover, when facing adversity or illness, our limited understanding cannot always discern the root cause. Therefore, in all circumstances, we should pray to the Supreme Being, accepting that the outcome rests in His divine hands.

(*1) Those who oppose the concept of faith might argue, “People do good and avoid evil because of their conscience, which rewards and punishes them.” I respond, “Indeed, conscience is the internal judge that assesses our actions. However, those who are accustomed to evil often commit atrocities without remorse; for them, conscience is dead. Moreover, conscience only judges actions after they are committed. Faith, on the other hand, instills a sense of reverence that prevents wrongdoing in the first place. Therefore, the concept of faith is superior to the concept of conscience alone.”


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