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

 

Main message of the Bhagavatham

 

CHENNAI, NOV. 6. While all directives for man's safe journey in

life are contained in the Vedas, whose date of origin cannot be

specified as they existed along with God, the vast amount of

scriptural texts made available subsequently by sages and saints,

all based on the Vedas, brought out the various rules relating to

Righteousness. These injunctions are simple and if one follows

them, he can enjoy peace. Among these texts, the Bhagavatham

describes the various incarnations of the Supreme Lord, in

particular of His presence amongst humanity as a cowherd boy. The

main message of this text is the need to engage oneself in the

service of God to please Him and win His grace.

 

There is no compulsion for elaborate arrangements for offering

worship to the Lord if they are not possible. Instances of an old

woman devotee handing over to God (in human form) a fruit, a

humble person presenting flowers, a woman in distress giving Him

just a curry leaf and a friend making Him taste a simple soup are

included in the book to reveal how God goes by a devotee's faith

and not by extravagant display of his devotion. Even if there are

lapses in one's worship, He will not mind them.

 

In one's life, there are several chances to commit sins and also

do good deeds. By our prayers to God we can make our stay

purposeful and sublime. The devotion displayed will surely result

in experiencing Divine grace as He is a witness seated in one's

heart. The scriptural texts also spell out how to cultivate

devotion by referring to very close association with God by

persons who will ever be engaged in thinking about His qualities.

They will also show how the chanting of the Divine names will

purify mind. These steps will enable a sincere person to

undertake daily worship. In doing so, he has to eschew jealousy

and remain absolutely unconcerned about what the other man does.

A devotee's main task is to carry out the religious obligations,

with absolute detachment and without caring for the fruits. The

Lord has declared that He only looks into the devotion and

dispassion, according to Sage Vyasa.

 

Sri N. Babu Dikshitar, in a discourse, said (according to him),

the Bhagavatam does not form part of the 18 Puranas and it is a

``Paramahamsa Samhita'' dealing only with God and a devotee's

elevation by his personal worship (Aradhana), his detached

outlook while engaging himself in God's service, his fervour and

dedication. God will sanction material benefits to those who want

them but for a higher status (salvation), some condition or a

request is attached. God has never let down any of His sincere

devotees.

 

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