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

 

Rules governing code of life

 

CHENNAI, DEC. 19. There is nothing to feel proud by a person when

he is in the company of pious men and has hence inherited fine

qualities and maintains purity. If the same man happens to settle

amidst bad elements but still behaves perfectly and leads a life

of impeccable character and is always attached to God, he is to

be admired. Likewise, there are several devotees, who, living

amidst the worldly pulls and turmoil, are deeply loyal to God,

scrupulously adhering to scriptural commands.

 

Such devotees of sterling quality will be guided by the dos and

don'ts contained in the Divine law. The most important directive

among the six injunctions is to avoid slander and totally abjure

speaking ill of others or indulging in mere gossip attributing

motives to their actions. Even in the Vedic instructions, prime

place is given to ``Truth''. The talk of enlightened men will

always consist of Truth soaked in affection. As Tirukkural says,

he who is in the habit of talking aimlessly and without any

purpose will earn universal contempt. Among the rules governing

the code of life is the cultivation of the habit of giving alms

and charity and rendering help to the needy and deserving and

repaying the debt of gratitude to spiritual guides who equip men

with knowledge. The commandments also say that though certain

types of rites are barred (like those intended to do evil to

others) by men, yet if penances and vows are permitted by

scriptural texts and by saints and traditions, devotees can carry

them out. Because, such austerities will make them hold on to the

feet of the Lord. Such men will prefer to be in the world, fulfil

certain vows which will lead them to God's kingdom. For instance,

Anjaneya preferred to stay back in this world than accompanying

God to heaven. One of the saints felt he would remain as a

stepping-stone before the idol in Thirumalai. Many saints have

been hypnotised by the bewitching vision of God's images in

temples.

 

Sri Andavan Swamigal, in a discourse, explained how Andal in her

unique hymn, has described the intensity and depth of devotion of

the girl-devotees deciding to go through a vow strictly in

accordance with the stringent rules like avoiding the taste of

articles which are forbidden during this period and at the same

time, adopting the prescribed codes. All these noble acts are to

please God and to ensure that they do not incur His displeasure

by resorting to prohibited guidelines. Andal's verse adds that as

if the prayers and pleas of devotees may not reach Him in His

permanent empire, He had chosen to come nearer. Our devotion

should be such that any day on which we do not serve the Lord, we

should count it as a day of fasting and waste.

 

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