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

 

Vital factor that disturbs human mind

 

CHENNAI, AUG. 22. Men gifted with the power of discrimination

will not be quickly and easily demoralised when they are thrown

amidst problems which may seem to defy solutions. They will find

out and think deeply why they were made to face them. They will

take lessons from seasoned religious leaders and listen to their

advice. They will digest the contents of their valuable speeches

and act upon the message left therein. They will analyse what was

the reason for their own acts which have resulted in such a

situation. These steps will enable wise men to bear their grief

and emerge happy.

 

In this connection, sages have explained the two important

aspects why the mind gets upset. Illness, fatigue, accidents and

hunger are some of the causes which afflict the mind from

outside. But the most vital factor, which disturbs the mind

internally is desire (attachements). When a man fails to achieve

what he needs, he may resort to corrupt practices. ``As one by

one, you detach yourself from the objects of the world. You are

saved from pain in respect of it. Attachment to the Lord will

help you to free yourself from the clamour to possess material

things'', says Thirukkural. Desire has been compared to a spark

in the hole of a tree trunk, which left unattended, will set

aflame the tree and later others nearby.

 

Detailing the comforting words from sages when the Pandavas, who

had lost their kingdom in the game of dice, played for a second

time, went to the forest to spend 12 years, Sri K.P. Arivanandam,

in his Mahabharata lecture, said those who adhere to

Righteousness will never be let down by God. Injustice and deceit

are bound to end in disaster. One of the sages taught them a

mantra by which they (Pandavas) obtained from Sun God, a vessel

that could provide food for any number of guests. Thus they were

relieved of one concern of feeding those who had accompanied

them. Scriptures point out how men in hunger will not mind status

or caste or educational attainments, or austerities and penance

if they need a morsel of food to immediately get rid of their

hunger.

 

The Pandavas were also honoured by the visit of Lord Krishna who

assured them of His support and at the same time advised some

kings who had arrived there, not to precipitate things by trying

to conquer the foes as Yudhishtira himself would dislike such a

step. ``Never will I swerve from the path of virtue'' he swore.

Vidhura, who incurred the displeasure of the blind king because

of his bold statement on virtue, left him preferring to stay in a

forest inhabited by tigers than serve a tyrant. However, the king

recalled him as he could not live without him.

 

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