Miscellaneous - Religion   

Truth needs to be reiterated

CHENNAI FEB.20 . Great men have appeared in every age to teach humanity the eternal truth enshrined in the scriptures. Why should the truth be taught again and again? Human nature is such that one has to be constantly reminded about the important objectives of life. Otherwise, amidst the several preoccupations of day-to-day life the mind gets easily distracted from the goal that must be pursued by every individual. This is the reason why there is a vast amount of secondary scriptural texts written by sages and preceptors of the various traditions. A single work, which gives guidelines about the significance of human birth, the goal of human life and how to lead a fruitful life in the world, is the Bhagavad Gita.

The preceptors of the philosophical systems have interpreted the Gita and these commentaries are in vogue and considered traditional. The greatness of this body of teachings of Lord Krishna lies in the fact that it lends itself to fresh interpretations and thus it is possible for even lay people to study the Gita. This begs the question, "For whom is the Bhagavad Gita intended?" To answer this one must consider to whom it was originally taught. Lord Krishna neither taught this to Yudishthira who was verily the embodiment of Dharma nor Bhima on whom the teachings would have been wasted, as he was a man of action. Arjuna was the chosen one because he had all the prerequisites of a disciple to whom spiritual truth could be taught. Arjuna was the archetype of the average human being to whom the Gita's teachings were intended, said Sri Suki Sivam in his discourse.

There is a saying in spiritual tradition that the Guru (preceptor) appears in the life of a disciple when he is ready to receive spiritual wisdom. The Guru-disciple nexus is unique in that the preceptor knows the level of his disciple's spiritual evolution and thus can steer him along the path by giving proper guidance. The student on his part must have a receptive mind to learn. It is this right combination that can lead to fruitful interaction.

Lord Krishna told Arjuna, "I imparted this immortal Yoga to Vivasvan (Sun-god). Vivasvan taught it to Manu and Manu to Ikshvaku. This teaching was handed down from teacher to disciple in succession and was known to the royal sages. But, owing to long lapse of time, it was lost to the world. You are My devotee and friend and hence I have today declared to you that ancient Yoga. For, it is a noble secret which can be imparted only to a worthy disciple."

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