The Hindu : Ungratefulness can never be excused

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 22, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Ungratefulness can never be excused

CHENNAI APRIL 22 . The mission of sages and saints, through their interpretation of the vast amount of scriptural literature, was to bring out truths and guidelines of eternal validity for the benefit of humanity and enlightenment of lay people, the sole idea being that when followed in their lives, they will enjoy peace and prosperity. The practical hints, provided in the texts through dialogues or direct speeches of noble characters, are intended to make efficient, fruitful living of everyone. One of the finest messages is about the gratitude to be shown by one who has received help, particularly in times of extreme distress. The valiant one, who having made a promise, rightly or wrongly, sticks to it, can be held as the best among men. These sentiments came from no less a person than Rama, God in human form, when He was disappointed at the delay in the steps to be taken to search His abducted wife. When He laments at Her separation, His brother consoles Him about the result of showing excessive attachment to an object or a person. To love and lavish affection is proper but the same should not become an obsession lest the expectations belie, were Lakshmana's comforting words. A very significant idea has been conveyed in the Ramayana about the need for anyone, however qualified and distinguished he may be, to seek the guidance of a person endowed with deep spiritual knowledge acquired through austerities and intense study, if he wants liberation and reach God's abode. An illiterate woman, serving in the hermitage of sages, was asked to wait for the arrival of Rama to shed her mortal coil and she welcomed the Divine Prince when He visited her. Ravana lost his empire in not listening to advice, while Sugriva gained his kingdom through the grace of a mediator.

Lakshmana, angered at the delay by Sugriva in not sending in time troops to different directions to search for Sita, speaks about ingratitude and refers to the sayings that there is expiation for the murder of a noble soul, for a drunkard, for a thief and a man who breaks his vow, but not for an ungrateful person. In his discourse, Sri P. Balakrishna Sastrigal explained how Sugriva, indulging in vulgar pleasures failed to despatch troops as promised and how Rama sent His brother to remind him about his promise. Later he tendered his apology for his intransigence and the Lord was filled with joy when he summoned the troops and directed them to spread in different directions.

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Ungratefulness can never be excused

This day that age: dated 22nd April, 1952.

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