Miscellaneous - Religion

Dharma, important aspect of human life

CHENNAI JUNE 1 . One among the several declarations by God Himself, specifies that the righteous duty which a person sincerely and properly performs, though apparently hard or tasteless, will result in his welfare. Some people are, however, afraid of the rigours of such a duty. For this, again the Lord's assurance in His Bhagavad Gita has to be recollected. "Righteousness or Dharma observed in one's life, properly, even to a little extent, will definitely relieve the doer from great fear. Dharma is the important aspect of human life and has a vital role in man's activities. Wealth, textbook knowledge or other types of acquisitions may be claimed as one's personal achievements. Yet, righteousness translated into activities with dedication, humility and faith, surpasses all his possessions." Some may say in despair: "I cannot follow the righteous path in full and I do not want to observe these rules partially. Hence I do not approach this path at all and I have given it up in total." This is nothing but a peculiar way of escapism, said Sri Bharati Theertha Swami of Sringeri Sarada Peetam in a message.

Giving an example, the Swami said a student may be asked to answer 100 questions in an examination, which he may not be able to. Will he, on that score, hand over a blank answer paper? On the other hand, he can attempt questions to the extent possible and secure at least pass marks. So too is Dharma. Likewise a person is asked to chant the Gayatri Mantra 1,000 times during his stipulated prayers thrice daily. If he is not able to repeat it as per the directives he can utter it 300 times or even if this too is not possible, he can recite it 108 times (the minimum). Because the total task could not be meditated upon, will it be wise for him to give up the specified rite itself, as some people now do? In a nutshell the duties prescribed in the Vedas as the "principal" ones and the "alternative" or "secondary" should be adopted. Adi Sankara had established "seats of spiritual power" (Peetams) in order to protect and nourish Dharma and not to allow unrighteous conduct. A Vedic scholar was ready to teach Vedas to eligible disciples. A rich man was eager to donate any amount for Vedic study. The intentions of both are noble but neither of them wanted their sons to take to the Vedas. The wealthy man desired to help a boy who fails to get good grade in the general examination. He obviously felt that the Vedas are for dull boys.

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