Date:13/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/13/stories/2009011355350800.htm

Miscellaneous - Religion

Value of human birth

CHENNAI: Scriptures state that salvation is attained through Jnana and this is possible only through human birth that affords an invaluable opportunity for the Jivatma to gain this Jnana. Thus while a Jivatma obtains human birth to exhaust its past Karma, realising the truth that there is an inbuilt chance to utilise this birth more profitably is the secret of successful living, pointed out Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal in a lecture. The oft-quoted analogy of all the Upanishads as cows, Lord Krishna as the milkman, and the Bhagavad Gita the milk that was obtained with Arjuna as the calf, illustrates the esoteric value of the text as the essence of the Upanishads.

The exigency in Arjuna’s case was significant because, though an invincible warrior, he was caught in a strange kind of depression that had robbed him of the valour, energy and enthusiasm that had until then driven him to the battlefield. He was heart-broken and ruminated on the consequences of fighting his preceptors and kinsmen. What happiness could be derived by gaining a kingdom in this manner? When thus plagued by such thoughts he sought refuge in Lord Krishna to advise him accordingly.

Arjuna’s situation mirrors the plight of every human being who is beset with doubts and confusion. The answers to such doubts lie in the Sastras and Lord Krishna then taught the sacred and subtle aspects of the philosophy of life and after life. The truth of the dichotomy between the immortal soul and the perishable body is pointed out and the need to develop the discrimination (Viveka) by internalising this truth is stressed.

The inner Self of Bhishma or Drona is unchanging and cannot be destroyed though their physical presence alone is negated. The Lord makes it clear that each Jivatma’s actions are tagged with good and bad consequences and that it is necessary to adhere to the path of righteous living. He shows that even He, who could have easily punished (killed) the propagators of evil like a Kamsa or Ravana, incarnated to accomplish this. It is His commitment to Dharma and His devotees that makes Him descend to earth in person. The Lord also is thus bound to fulfil certain obligations.