The Hindu : Divine Mother's show of mercy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 10, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Divine Mother's show of mercy

CHENNAI JAN. 10 . What emboldens a sincere God-centred person, who dreads his stay in this world of turmoil and hence is anxious to get all ties snapped so as to enable him to be at permanent service to the Lord in His Kingdom, are the Lord's firm declarations made when He took the roles of ordinary humans. As Rama, His ordinance when a tormented person from enemy's camp sought shelter in Him, were: "Even a foe who sues for protection with folded hands in supplication, is entitled to compassion. Rejection of a petition and denial of succour are despicable. It is My solemn covenant that I stand by anyone who surrenders his all to My keeping." As Krishna, He said: "Take absolute shelter in Me and lead a life of devotion. I will deliver you from all sins and bondage." God will come in search of His devotees as seen by Rama's concern and regret expressed to sages in the forest.

When a devotee offers his surrender, the Lord pardons his sins committed earlier except (some among) those, which have begun to bear fruit in this life. Likewise, He excuses (also) the sins that had come to him by his acts in the previous life (Prarabda Karma). Those who fear at heart the formidable sins which bear fruit at present and hence seek refuge at His feet will be freed from the consequences. A question may be asked why not God remove all the sins? The explanation is about the possible chance of a surrender going back to his past life (before offering Saranagati) and continue to enjoy pleasures and feel that he can delay his departure to Moksha. God's intention is that he should not get caught again in worldly pleasures. Saints however were keen that they should be led to Heaven immediately.

Commentators have pointed out how the Divine Mother displays greater amount of mercy even when they had not sought Her pardon as in the case of the demoness-guards who tortured Her. "Who has not done any mistake", She asked Anjaneya. Rama, on the other hand extended His grace only when it was sought. . Sri M.A. Venkatakrishnan, in his Thiruppavai exposition described the anxiety of the maiden to meet Him quickly to serve Him. "Extend your mercy by sitting on the throne and come to us like a lion that comes out of its cave after a brief period of rest", they prayed. The implication was that there is no chance to keep off a promise when seated with all majesticity. The concerned verse brings out the qualities of Ramanuja, the lion among spiritual beacon lights.

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Divine Mother's show of mercy

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