What are some things a spiritual aspirant could do to strengthen their faith?

Question

I am looking for answers from whatever faith or religious belief you may have. It doesn't matter one's particular religion. What is your definition of faith and how does one strengthen one's faith.

The term "faith" is often used in reference to a spiritual path or religious belief. That is the definition I am really getting at here. In more detail faith means believing in something or someone even though your knowledge of that person or thing might be limited. Different religious traditions may differ as to how far we can go to understand spirituality, the after-life and God with science and logic. But, even the most scientifically and logically inclined beliefs eventually must reach a point where faith must take over. We can only understand only so much about the higher forces in existence all the way up to spirituality, the afterlife, and God. To encourage our faith it does help to get the association of those who have achieved higher levels of spiritual realization depending on your religious persuasion.

Read Bhagavad Gita As It Is
http://www.asitis.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/god

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Answer 1

Good question! I am surprised you didn't get bombarded with answers for that one.
If you are questioning your own faith then the best thing you can do is to find as much information as you can on it and see if there is something there you haven't come across yet. Most religions/faiths have been going for millenia and it's very unlikely any one of us could read/understand everything there is on them in one lifetime.
If you are simply seeking more information, say like me you wish to know more so as to understand (Maybe lose any intolerance towards others - something I've worked hard on) then do plenty of research and above all talk to people about your faith, and try to get them to discuss theirs with you. Everyone has their own interpretation of faith and to think that one's own faith is better than anyone else is niave, yes?
The wikipedia is a great place for written info on religions - www.wikipedia.org
Hope that's been some help.

Answer 2

My definition of faith is much the same as everyone elses... faith is a belief, trust, or confidence, not based merely on logic, reason, or empirical data, but based fundamentally on volition often associated with a transpersonal relationship with God, a higher power, a person, elements of nature, and/or a perception of the human race as a whole. Faith can be placed in a person, inanimate object, state of affairs, proposition or body of propositions such as a religious creed.

My PERSONAL definition... at the end of it all, the only being i will ever have faith in... is myself... i can not always put my trust into my friends and family... although they are extremely important to me in my life and i do trust them no doubt about it... the only way i can strengthen my faith... is to believe in myself. Simply put.

Answer 3

I'm, new on this path also.Perhaps a little farther along than you. Spirituality is like a seed.tiny & barely noticable until it grows.
The first thing I did was come to believe in a Power Greater than myself.
I personaly did'nt find it in a church.You might.I don't buy into the "ONE TRUE GOD" faith.My God is bigger than that.My God doesn;t care which name we know him/her by.
The second thing I did was allow my new God to relieve me of the bondage of alcoholism.
That was the starting point of my journey. I'm not sugesting you need to be a worthless drunk to start a spiritual path.It made it easier for me to accept that I was powerless over other poeple,places ,& things.
Also, being a hopeless drunk helped to keep me humble.
Simply being kind to your fellow beings is a good start. Practice avoiding resentments.Resist having expecttations of others.
Give that a try. The important thing to remember is It's your path choose wisely.Stay open minded.And never take yourself to seriously.

Answer 4

Have you come accross the spiritual disciplines?
Things like solitude, fasting, rest, etc

John Ortberg writes a hugely accessible contemporary guide "The life you always wanted"
Or Richard Foster (a contemporary Christian mystic) writes one in a bit more depth "the Celebration of Discipline"

Both are brilliant and have helped many explore their spirituality.

Answer 5

Read religious books and dedicate yourself to some type of spiritual gathering, and find a religious leader and follow, and dont use your own understanding (this is a principle in Christianity).

Answer 6

1) Contemplate the presence of God as you go about your daily routine
2) See all things as the providence of God
3) Contemplate created things - try to understand how they contribute to the will of God
4) In prayer, center you awareness in your physical heart, put your chin on your chest, and 'look' down into your chest
5) Try to recite a short, meaningful prayer over and over again throughout the day, keeping your attention centered in your heart
6) Try to achieve a state of 'no-mind,' where your mind is empty of all thoughts

Answer 7

By practicing Mindfulness in your daily life

Answer 8

What would you mean by spiritual aspirant? Faith is beleiving in something unseen...In the bible it says read the bible to strengthen your faith..!
Hopefully that helps!

Answer 9

believe with your heart that jesus is lord confess with your tongue an trust him he will lead your path

Answer 10

try Yoga and Meditation.