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

 

One must listen to seers' advice

 

CHENNAI, SEPT. 5. Several guidelines contained in our sacred

works refer to the vital aspect of people cultivating the

attitude of remaining absolutely calm even when calamities strike

them. On certain occasions, even men of great moral stature, who

had gone through extremely difficult days, may get totally

demoralised when grief overtakes them. Unable to bear the impact,

they may even feel that God has been unkind to them in having

made them face such unbearable situations. Under such

circumstances, all that they should do is to recall instances

where men like them had been subjected to worst trials resulting

in their virtual extinction. Affliction is nothing new for many

but they had all developed the quality of maintaining equanimity.

They have not lost the power of discrimination.

 

A treatise on the code of conduct by Kumaragurupara Swamigal

mentions about the jealousy some may harbour about the

intellectual attainments of a few. Only in the presence of such

distinguished persons, these people can realise their own

limitations. They should feel proud of other's achievements and

try to rise to their level. It is equally necessary, according to

other suggestions in other texts, that when sages and saints

arrive, people should show their respect and listen to their

advice. Such seers are sure to appear among noble men.

 

When the Pandavas, during their stay in the forest, were upset at

their misfortunes, a saint mentioned to them of the tragic

situation in which Emperor Nala was forced to work as a servant.

Thus the Pandavas' sagging morale was boosted. On the other hand,

when two eminent personalities tendered genuine advice to the

blind king to render justice to the Pandavas, reminding him about

various atrocities of his sons, the conceited Duryodana had the

audacity to tell them that he would make Draupadi sit on his lap.

``You will be destroyed by being hit at the same spot you had

displayed'' cursed the sages, which indeed came true later.

 

In his Mahabharatham lecture, Sri K. P. Arivanandam said all the

sacred books emphasise on the theme of unity in diversity though

there are several Gods in Hinduism, each one remaining faithful

to the deity of his or her choice. Describing how Arjuna, as

directed by his mentors, secured the rare and powerful weapon

(Paasupataastra) from Lord Siva, after undertaking a grim

penance, standing firm in his resolve to avoid temptations and

other methods to disturb his concentration, Villiputhurar (a

Srivaishnavite) praises Lord Siva's glory. Likewise the

Thiruppugazh brings out the greatness of Vishnu. Harmony is the

key word in our religious literature.

 

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