Traits of true saints, sages

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Traits of true saints, sages (An Article from the Religious Section of The

Hindu taken with permission: "Copyrights 2000 The Hindu & Tribeca Internet

Initiatives Inc.")

 

Apart from enabling a devoted person to qualify himself to be a servant of

God, the religious austerities he observes are intended to demonstrate to

others how to remain humble and maintain discipline. The scriptural

injunctions to which he abides will provide him the power to resist giving

room to anger. Occasions will arise when circumstances may compel him to

become enraged due to provocations but he should be calm without losing his

temper. The purpose of his vows will turn into waste if he tries to retaliate

when someone accuses or offends him. With the spiritual powers he has

secured, he can punish the culprits just by his thoughts or by his words.

That was the reason why saints and sages maintained their composure and used

their spiritual strength with a positive approach. If such outstanding

celebrities desired to secure the help of administrators, the latter were

ready to extend the same without any hesitation.

 

In the Ramayana, the visit of Sage Viswamitra, considered as virtue-incarnate

and the abode of all austerities, was welcomed by Emperor Dasaratha as very

auspicious as he was discussing with his preceptors and relations, plans for

the marriages of his sons. But when the sage proposed that Rama should be

sent with him to protect the rites he was conducting, from being defiled by

demons, the emperor was upset. Viswamitra asked him not to allow himself to

be weakened by his fatherly affection. ``I know who Rama is and how His

prowess shall always prevail. The demons, strong and well-trained, come and

bespatter the altar, when the sacrifice is being carried out. When that

happens and the purpose of my vows is defeated, should I curse them to perish?

I become dispirited, as all the trouble I had been taking will become

nullified as the powers are not to be used for negative acts. I am averse to

giving way to anger. The rites are such that I should not pronounce a curse

when engaged in them.'' At the instance of the family guide, Sage Vasishta,

Rama and Lakshmana were permitted to go.

 

Rama's mother was glad to send Him with Viswamitra and that was the reason why

the sage praised her in his invocatory verse while waking up the

God-incarnate in the early hours during their journey through the forest.

This popular verse is being recited by devotees now to adore the Lord and

perhaps many may not be aware that it was Viswamitra's contribution, said Sri

K. Hari in a discourse. Leading the divine princes, the sage narrated to them

many stories. The task of protecting the sage's rites over, all the three

moved to Janaka's assembly where Rama triumphed over many and married Sita.