In faith, first it is accepted and then understood. While in case of reason it is first understood and then accepted. Whatever is observed needs to be analysed for its explanation. But faith alone can help one know the absolute existence.

This body did not exist earlier, nor did happiness or sorrow and for that matter worries did not exist in the past. But the knower of them all is ever present. The size of the body was small in childhood, but is no longer the same. However, the knower of this was present before, is present now and will remain in the future as well. This gyana is acquired from satsang. But one needs reverential faith to assimilate this gyana. Some people say, “What is the need for faith? We do not have faith. We do not believe in Vata-Savitri vrata, Ekadhasi vrata or other Hindu dharma rituals etc. We will first observe, have it scientifically observe the proof and then believe it.” But my dear brother! One does not need faith to believe in things that can be perceived; rather discrimination (vivek) is required in such cases. Faith is required only for things that can’t be perceived.

Acharya Vinoba Bhaveji wondered, “Why do people single out 'faith' as blind?” The term 'blind-faith' itself emanates from the worst possible form of blind-faith. Ask those who talk of blind-faith, if they have believed that their fathers are actually their fathers by faith, through observation or through scientific paternity test. Then how did you accept it? If following Hindu rituals is based on blind-faith, calling your father as 'father' is also based on sheer blind-faith. Were the alphabets taught at school accepted in faith or after the science had proved them so. Why should 'A' be so and 'B’ like that. What is the proof? It was a matter of simple acceptance. That is it.

In faith, first it is accepted and then understood. While in case of reason it is first understood and then accepted. Whatever is observed needs to be analysed for its explanation. But faith alone can help one know the absolute existence that bestows the power to see, thus there is no alternative to faith. In the Veda there is one 'Shraddhaasookta', which holds that one with faith is full of hope and inner strength. With faith in the Holy Scriptures and tutelary deity, one will acquire joy of the mind. Only those having faith can obtain education and engage in business for livelihood.

Those self-styled judges of 'faith' and 'blind-faith' should apply a little ghee to their forehead (hopefully their intellect will be enriched). It is chewing like paan masala in the hope of enjoyment, drinking for pleasure, siphoning public funds to increase one's bank balances abroad or amassing large amounts of wealth in the fervent hope of happiness, indulging in discos that constitutes blind faith. Whereas, observing Vata-Savitri-Vrata, undertaking pilgrimages, paying obeisance to gods and goddesses represent faith in real terms.

Lord Krishna says, “The righteous means of sadhana as illustrated by Me, is quite simple and imperishable. Those who lack faith in these words of Mine, fail to attain Me and wander forever in the vicious cycle of life and death.” (Shreemad Bhagwa Gita – Ref 9:3). Those without faith try to derive pleasure from drinking liquor, disco dancing, etc. Instead praise those followers of Varakari sect who attain joy simply by chanting the Lord's name. When a doctor asks you to fast, it becomes a compulsion on you, but when you do it voluntarily on Vata-Savitri Vrata or Ekadasi or Hindu rituals, it becomes a means, not only to attain good health but also to progress on the spiritual path; besides, it also provides a way to exercise self-restraint. It sanctifies and purifies the body, mind and intellect and paves the way for God-realisation. Would you call this blind faith or real faith?

There is no one who is not benefitted by observing a vrata (fast). A vrata develops the conviction within us that we can stay without food and water. Fasting develops faith and with faith you can even attain the truth. One, having faith, attains the knowledge which eliminates all sorrows forever. Knowledge of the cause of creation, maintenance and destruction of the entire universe (supreme consciousness) can be attained before one's death. Jnaneshwara Maharaj ji and Tukaram ji Maharaj were veritable repositories of such atma gyana. If Samartha Ramdasji, Eknathji, and Jeejabai attained greatness, was it without faith?

When we have to keep faith in basic activities in life, then why not have faith in vratas, fasts, spiritual practices that have the power to save us from this unending cycle of, birth and death, paving the way to self-realisation. People taken in by those who term the faith of the masses in spiritual practices as blind faith, will become restless and atheists like their mentors. I pray with folded hands to those denigrating pious faith to tell us how they have come to accept someone to be their father. Did they depend on their own sight or on blind faith? You belong to a particular caste; did you see it yourself, or have to accept it on the basis of faith? Or is it embossed on your forehead? It is only through hearsay that you have believed this. The same is true with your father, uncle, grandparents, and country.

I would advise those people trying to formulate laws against blind faith to pay heed to Madan Mohan Malviya. He put his hand on Nehru's shoulder and said, “Nehru, India is predominantly a religious country. Just see how so many people are experiencing inner bliss by taking a dip in the Ganges here (at Allahabad). They are experiencing great peace and virtuous gaiety. Only those who respect the faith of the Indians will be able to rule over India. Those who try to uproot their faith will themselves be uprooted from their position by the people of India.” I thank Pandit Nehru that no such canonical law (against the so-called blind faith) was enacted during his rule. I pray with folded hands to those decrying faith that faith is not blind as such. Do not commit the sin of calling believers as blind followers.