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

 

God has no likes or dislikes

 

CHENNAI, JAN. 18. Many people often wonder as to whom they should

approach when they are thrown amidst problems or face

difficulties which seem to defy solution. No one need get

demoralised as sages and saints have chalked out the path leading

them to safety. India is unique in that over the years several

inspiring spiritual leaders, travelling through the length and

breadth of this vast country, had studied various types of

situations and had left indelible instructions as to how to

remain unfazed under all circumstances.

 

The greatest among these divine messengers was Veda Vyasa who had

the great power to visualise how things would take shape in this

``Kali'' era (in which we now live). Many criticise that it is a

waste of time to depend on the ``Puranas'' (written by him) not

realising that drawing lessons from the contents therein, a

person can lead a life without getting involved in worldly

activities which result in sorrow.

 

These religious torchbearers had shown simple methods to derive

solace; to study the sacred texts in which valuable instructions

are inlaid; to visit temples and sing hymns adoring the Almighty.

The incarnations of the Supreme Being reveal how the devotees

when they totally relied on Him, were given refuge and protected.

 

In a discourse, Sri K. Subramania Dikshidar said the Bhagavatham

serves as a lighthouse which guides ships which had lost their

passage and which need to reach the shore of safety. The verses

in this Puranam inspire us to develop wonderful ideas which will

purify the mind. One of the merits of this scripture is that a

teacher who has trained a disciple showers praise on the latter

which normally does not take place. Secondly, there is always the

possibility of a young man disowning his father who had gone on

the wrong way and thereby detesting him. But here, we come across

a father who wanted to destroy his own child, only because it

held on tight to God's feet. This episode is enshrined in God's

incarnation as ``Narasimha.''

 

The introduction to the story of a demon king and his son

Prahlada mention how God is impartial. He has no likes nor hatred

and does not favour one against another. But He is kind to those

who believe in His Supreme power knowing the limitations of a

human being who can function only within a specified range. Child

Prahlada refused to acknowledge his father as God. The father was

not an atheist but he ordered his citizens to worship him as God

proclaiming that the latter was subordinate to him. God saved the

child from several ordeals and ultimately put down the ruthless

acts of the father.

 

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