The Hindu on-line

[Guest guest]

I think many in this group will be familiar with the

column on religion that appears on the last page of

The Hindu. Here is one column in the on-line version

of Hindu at http://www.webpage.com/hindu.

 

Bound to Him, inseparable like Sri AndaaL says in

Thiruppaavai, "undhannOdu uRavEl namakku ingu ozhikka

ozhiyaadhu" service to Him is the only way to rid

ourself of grief and achieve eternal and

undiminishing happiness not only in the

other world, but here and now as well.

 

 

-- Dileepan

 

 

==========The Hindu Article====================================

Repose faith in God's grace

 

 

28-10-1995 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c

 

Cl: Religion

 

MADRAS, Oct. 28.

 

The tendency of modern man is to reach out for the

fleeting shadows of worldly attractions. Some have even lost

faith in religious truth and moral values. Some hunger for

transient honour and seek self-defeating enjoyment. They forget

that human reason, unaided and unsupported by scriptures cannot

take them very far. They cannot pull themselves out by their own

efforts. They need God's grace, which is there always but do not

yearn to receive. The sacred works remind them that worldly

knowledge which they acquire will be purposeless as at the end of

their journey in life it does not help them to see God.

 

Basically, the soul within each man is sinless, free from

grief. But when the influence of delusion distracts it, the soul

errs and makes the person behave in a selfish manner. Until such

a fallen soul unconditionally accepts God's supremacy, this

illusion will continue to extend its stranglehold. Riches,

honour, power and position, blinds man and make him drift away

from God. One who aspires to resist the impact of the worldly

temptations should firmly hold to the feet of God and constantly

remember Him. Then he is sure to find an end to his restlessness

in his voyage.

 

Due to ignorance men remain engrossed in worldly

activities. They may desire to reach God but may fail. They need

the guidance of an enlightened person who will show them the way

by pointing out various simple steps. Beginning with the process

of remembrance of God, aspirants will have to go through the

stages of retention, meditation, continuous recollection and then

communion with God. They will not then allow themselves to get

drowned in worldliness.

 

The scriptures serve to instruct men who are inclined to

reach God's kingdom, to hear about God's superhuman deeds when He

was amidst humanity, chant His names and sing His glory. ``When

the Lord is near us and loves us, why not worship Him and obtain

His grace'' saints ask us. God being co-eval with His names, when

they are cited with devotion, He will reveal Himself in the

devotees' hearts, explained Sri B. V. Paramahamsa Maharaj

(Gaudiya Math) in a lecture.

 

While repeating God's names, there should be total

concentration, purity of the mind and recollection of His

qualities particularly of His compassion towards human beings.

Lord Chaitanya has referred to the four merits of a devotee

humanity, forbearance, desirelessness and offering of due

respects to all Godly souls. Those who thus hold on to God should

display total confidence in the Lord's powers, undertake only

those duties which will gladden Him and feel quite secure that

God will take care of their interests.

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