Observance of code of conduct ensures peace

CHENNAI, APRIL 24. Long before the concept of ``One God-one community'' contained in some of the authoritative texts written by saints centuries ago was propagated, the Vedic revelations had noted this sentiment, though in a different manner stating that the entire world should be happy and prosperous. These divine utterances had also prescribed not only the rights and responsibilities of each person but also specified the duties which ought to be carried out with faith and without demur and some which ought to be discarded. Codes of conduct have been placed before a man telling him that if he follows them, he will enjoy peace. When members of a society scrupulously adopted them in their lives, there were good rains fetching good harvests of food crops. However by efflux of time, these noble guidelines had lost their values. There is thus a need to safeguard these glorious traditions.

The religious rites and rituals asked to be performed were intended both for auspicious and inauspicious occasions. These sacraments governed a man's activities from his birth till his death. The scriptural directives point out that under certain unforeseen circumstances, even marriage may be postponed by a few days, but the removal of body after a man's death cannot wait for long, even if certain modern techniques of preservation are resorted to. Some people fear death, though everyone is aware that a man born will have to die at one stage. The Vedic declarations refer to the need to conduct the post-funeral rites with sincerity and not out of compulsion or reluctance. The significance of these various types of ceremonies for different purposes should be explained by priests who know the Mantras and they should be in a position to expound their import and tell others how the departed soul should rest in peace and be amidst forebears.

Sri Andavan Swamigal, in a benedictory address said those communities described as forward who should sincerely follow the Vedic instructions are unfortunately seen disinterested in doing these essential rites. On the other hand, other sections observe the obsequies with faith and in accordance with the injunctions. As Bhoja had said in a poem, the tendency to give up these rites or abridge them under some pretext was due to ignorance or lack of wisdom to know what these Vedic Mantras signify. Saint Thiruvalluvar points out that neglect of prescribed duties as contained in the Vedas was a grave offence, more so in respect of some of the learned members of the society.

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