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

 

Betrayal of God is the worst sin

 

CHENNAI, JAN. 31. India has been the land of sages, seers and

saints who propagated the country's sacred culture to the rest of

the world and earned name and fame. The contribution of such

noble souls is however being forgotten today. It is to be

remembered that the basic truth is that Bharat relies on its

spiritual wealth. Many noble souls faced hardships and criticism,

yet they remained firm in their resolve to set an ideal to

humanity. When their message spread, many people turned envious

and the nation's history is replete with examples which bear

testimony to this Truth.

 

Jealousy and benevolence are usually termed as sisters. The

former has three children - desire, anger and hatred. The Divine

Trinity are the sons of the latter. People experience problems

because of the three evil forces which always raised obstacles in

the path of progress. Many are unable to recognise the existence

of Truth and love in those who bring solace to the downtrodden.

On the other hand, others do accept everything good that comes

from anyone. It is necessary to cultivate this spirit of

tolerance and appreciate whatever noble deeds that a few

individuals had done to relieve the distress of the people in

various ways.

 

For possessing such fine ideals, one should lead a life of virtue

and increase one's faith in God. As this belief in the unseen

Supreme Power gets generated within, all wicked tendencies will

vanish. Hence none should give up spiritual formalities which

enable one to adhere to righteousness. Betrayal of God is the

worst of all sins. It is incumbent on people to salute even those

who criticise them, becoming fully conscious that divinity is

present in all. Once the Buddha encountered the demon of envy

which wanted to devour him. Buddha smiled and replied ``I love

you too,'' hearing which the demon immediately turned into a dove

that symbolises love and peace and flew away, said Sri Sathya Sai

Baba in an address. A man becomes a devotee in the true sense

only when he displays patience and conquers evil forces lurking

within him.

 

In reply to a question by Arjuna whether there is anyone very

dear to Him, Lord Krishna said ``I have neither a friend nor a

foe. I am present in every heart. I reside even amongst those who

criticise Me. Anyone who sees God in all is loved by Me. A

devotee is related to Me not by birth but by his intense love

shown to Me. You make Me sit in a chariot but not in the chambers

of your heart.'' There are no greater ideals than Truth, Virtue,

Patience and Love. It is equally important for a devotee to

realise that God is one and the goal is one.

 

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