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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Inimitable traits of the Lord

 

CHENNAI, JULY 19. The Supreme Being is the abode of infinite

auspicious qualities according to the philosophy of the

Srivaishnava school. The number of commentaries that the

scriptural texts like the Bhagavata Purana and the Ramayana have

elicited from the preceptors of the various philosophical schools

attest to the Lord's infinite nature and His inimitable traits.

The opening verse of the Bhagavata Purana, for instance, has been

interpreted by scholars in 21 different ways. It vouches not only

for the greatness of God but also for that of Vyasa.

 

The scriptures which are the final authority on the Almighty are

also eternal and infinite like Him and what has been revealed to

mankind through the sages are by no means exhaustive. It is

because of their infinite nature that the scriptures lend

themselves to various interpretations. The three main

philosophical schools of Vedanta are all interpretations of the

three fundamental scriptural texts - the Brahmasutras, Upanishads

and the Bhagavad Gita.

 

In his discourse on the Ramayana, Sri R.Hari said that the epic

had been glorified as a mighty river which flowed into the

infinite expanse of the Lord Himself, who is like an ocean. It is

the Lord's glory which is the theme of the epic and the poet does

not miss any opportunity during the narration of the events in

Rama's life to highlight His auspicious qualities. The beginning

of the Ayodhya Kanda is a case in point.

 

The important episode in this canto being the banishment of Rama

to the forest it affords enough instances to project Rama's

endearing traits. The lengthy depiction of Rama's virtues at the

outset is in the form of Dasaratha's rumination when the desire

to crown Him as the prince-regent arose in his mind. He was

equally fond of all his sons as each one excelled the other in

virtues but he was particularly fond of Rama.

 

Valmiki draws attention to Rama's divine nature as the reason for

this, ``Of them, the highly glorious Sri Rama afforded delight to

him and was more richly endowed with excellences as Brahma is

among created beings. For, entreated by the gods seeking the

destruction of the haughty Ravana, the eternal Lord Vishnu

Himself was born on the mortal plane as Sri Rama.'' It was no

wonder that Rama was the cynosure of all eyes in Ayodhya.

 

The reason why the Ramayana has not lost its appeal even after

centuries of its composition is Rama's divine nature and

attributes. For those suffering from the pangs of worldly life

reading the epic or listening to its exposition gives mental

peace because the mind instantly dwells on the Lord's auspicious

qualities.

 

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