The Hindu : Three categories of God-seekers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 18, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Three categories of God-seekers

CHENNAI JUNE 18 . Attitudes about God's qualities and powers will vary and based on them, men have been classified into three broad categories. Some rely on him totally, repose their faith in Him, love Him, adore Him and serve Him with dedication. To them God will surely respond favourably, and with warmth and affection, will embrace and guide them. An example of a man who approaches a wealthy person for help will be apt here. This alms-seeker, while waiting, fondles the would-be donor's child, which becomes happy. On arrival at the scene the rich man is pleased at the happy mood of his child and consequently he may spare to the recipient much more than what he expected. The second group of persons are those who denigrate God, who too in turn will hate them. It is akin to the man in need who walks into a philanthropist's house scolding the babe for having spoiled his dress and "purity". The rich man will surely be angry with the man who has come to beg as he had offended his child. Of the third category are those who neither like God nor dislike Him. God will not favour them too. Even among God-lovers, there may be some who will not offer prayers while others may praise His merciful qualities through hymns while yet others, well qualified, offer their benedictions to the Lord. Some may seek from Him relief from worldly agony, some ask for return of the lost property and status while some, who have gained spiritual knowledge, will not desire anything but salvation. Similarly some will wish to proceed to heaven to remain there while others may like to be in the presence of God and some may want to identify themselves totally with Him. God knows what, when and how to extend His benefactions to His devotees and His acts, which carry a purpose, cannot be questioned. Even if He tries to show His ire at some of the devotees for their faults, He can be "disarmed" by the penitents by "Anjali", to mark their surrender.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna (representing humanity) steeped in the gloom of negative line of thought, sought Lord Krishna's grace when the latter revealed to him His Cosmic Form (Viswaroopa) granting him the divine vision and power to behold it. Sri R. Madhavachariar, in a discourse, said according to Arjuna, Krishna has occupied all quarters of the Universe. Celestials are struck with awe at His wonderful form, join their palms, some chant hymns, admiring and adoring Him.

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Three categories of God-seekers

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