The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Need for right conduct

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Friday, Feb 11, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Need for right conduct

CHENNAI, FEB.11. One of the holy texts, `Ganapathy Sahasranama', details the rarity of being born as human beings. This is the result of accumulated virtues. Even then, divine benediction is required before a person can be exposed to the company of religious scholars and commentators besides men of God. For, in such hallowed company a seeker is on the fast-track to attaining liberation. In his `Viveka Choodamani,' Sri Adi Sankara has stated that no one can be born at any place he desires; once born as a man he cannot automatically hope to scale great heights, even with aspirations for liberation; to this end, seekers should find a preceptor.

Speaking on `Vidyaranya Sankara Vijayam,' a biographic account of Adi Sankara's life, Sri. Soundarama Dikshidar said Lord Siva manifested as the great saint who codified the philosophy of Advaita. From time immemorial Hinduism has faced severe trials and the situation was no different over 13 centuries ago. People were leaving their spiritual moorings, a way of life as enshrined in the Vedas. It was to establish righteousness again that the Lord was born as Adi Sankara. His incisive commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahmasutras and the Bhagavad Gita as well as his numerous hymns and lyrics are knowledge-giving founts, like torches to dispel darkness. Some people may wonder why God has not manifested in the `kali yuga' when lawlessness, both spiritual and material, appear to be rampant. However He makes His presence felt in innumerable ways. One of the pontiffs of Sringeri Math once had to travel through a forest. After he had completed the day's rituals, a group of armed tribal bandits surrounded him and demanded that he hand over the expensive puja vessels as well as the jewels adorning the Lord. When the pontiff handed over everything, they bundled the articles in their blankets but were unable to lift the same despite their combined efforts. Further attempts resulted in the corners of the blanket catching fire; the robbers then prostrated before the saint, hailing Lord Siva as their leader. He who sheds the undesirable and embraces right conduct needs fewer births to reach God. The beneficial hymn of the Ramayana states that those who peruse the epic will be rid of their sins, whereas the beneficial hymn of the `Bhagavatam' promises bhakthi and wisdom to adherents. The `Sankara Vijayam' states that Adi Sankara listens patiently to the entreaties of those who pray, and ultimately grants them only the wisdom required to achieve their spiritual aim.

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