[Feb 2025] The Kumbh Mela and the Power of Faith

The Kumbh Mela shows faith’s power—believing in something bigger. Serve the greater good; rewards follow. As the Gita says, focus on effort, not results. The journey itself is the reward.

Hey Champ,

This month, I want to take you on a journey—not just any journey, but one that millions of people take every few years in India. It’s called the Kumbh Mela, and it’s one of the largest gatherings of people on Earth. But it’s not just about the crowd; it’s about something much deeper: faith.

What is the Kumbh Mela?

The Kumbh Mela is a huge festival where people come together to bathe in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari. It happens every 12 years in four different places in India, and it’s based on an ancient story from Hindu mythology. Legend has it that gods and demons fought over a pot (or kumbh) of nectar that could make anyone immortal. During the fight, a few drops of this nectar fell into these rivers, making them holy.

People travel from all over the world to take part in this festival. Some walk for hundreds of miles, carrying little more than their faith. They don’t do it for money, fame, or even guarantees. They do it because they believe in something bigger than themselves.

Faith: The Invisible Force

Faith is like an invisible force, Champ. It’s what keeps people going even when the journey is tough. Imagine walking for days, with no promise of a reward at the end. No one is handing out trophies or medals at the Kumbh Mela. The reward is the journey itself—the feeling of being part of something greater, of connecting with millions of others who share the same belief.

Faith gives people hope. It gives them strength. And when you have faith, you don’t need immediate rewards. The journey becomes the reward.

This reminds me of a verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47):
"Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana."
It means, "You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work." In other words, do your best without worrying about the results. When you focus on the journey—on doing the right thing—the results will take care of themselves.

Faith in the Greater Good

The Kumbh Mela isn’t just about individuals; it’s about the greater good. People come together to pray, to help one another, and to celebrate life. They don’t do it for themselves; they do it for their families, their communities, and their beliefs.

This idea of working for the greater good is something I want you to think about, Champ. When you focus on helping others, something magical happens. People start to support you, not because you asked them to, but because they believe in what you’re doing.

Another verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6, Verse 5) says:
"Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet."
It means, "Elevate yourself by your own efforts, and do not degrade yourself." When you work for the greater good, you elevate not just yourself but everyone around you.

Finding Your Purpose

The Kumbh Mela teaches us that faith isn’t just about believing in something; it’s about taking action. It’s about finding a purpose that makes life better for others. Whether it’s educating, empowering, entertaining, or serving, when you focus on reducing inconvenience or solving problems, you become part of something bigger.

And here’s the secret, Champ: when you work for the greater good, your own needs start getting fulfilled without you even asking. It’s like the universe rewards you for being selfless.

One last verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 12, Verse 13) sums it up beautifully:
"Adveshta sarva-bhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha."
It means, "One who hates no creature, who is friendly and compassionate to all, such a person is dear to Me." When you work for the greater good, you become a force of positivity in the world.

The Journey is the Reward

So, remember this: life is a lot like the Kumbh Mela. It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. Have faith in something bigger than yourself. Believe in great ideas that can inspire others. Work for the greater good, and you’ll find that the journey itself becomes the reward.

Just like the millions who walk to the Kumbh Mela, you too can embark on your own journey of faith. And when you do, you’ll discover that faith gives you hope, strength, and the courage to keep going—no matter how tough the path may seem.

Love you infinity times infinity!

P.S. Next time you see a big challenge, think of the Kumbh Mela. Remember, the journey is the reward!