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

 

Inspiring influence and grace of saints

 

CHENNAI, FEB. 7. The benefit of cultivating the company of saints

can be understood only by one who has come under their grace and

guidance. Though there is a general notion in the spiritual

tradition that there is degeneration in spiritual practices in

this Kali era and that it is difficult to pursue the spiritual

path in this age, the scenario is not so gloomy as it is made out

to be. Even within the living memory of this generation of

devotees this land has been blessed by the birth of several

saints who have proved by dint of their spiritual attainments

that the wellsprings of spirituality never dry up. Besides, their

infinite grace continues to inspire those who come under their

influence.

 

It may not be an exaggeration to say that the spiritual progress

which was possible in earlier eras only after the performance of

penance and austerities has fructified in the case of those who

have been fortunate to be graced by such saints in this age.

 

In his discourse, Sri Ganesa Sarma said that the Kanchi

Paramacharya was a saint who personified the highest spiritual

attainments described in the scriptures. If such men of God had

not appeared in our midst, the end that the scriptures speak of

will remain only an abstraction for the layman. Hence instead of

bemoaning our lot and becoming demoralised by witnessing all-

around decandence in Dharma, a seeker of God must draw

inspiration from the lives of saints.

 

An incident that happened in the life of a devotee of this sage

and how he personally guided him through the reverses he faced in

life has a lesson for all of us. As is common with most who seek

solace from saints for their personal problems, this devotee also

turned to this sage when his child was born with a handicap.

While it would have been possible for a saint with such spiritual

power to perform a miracle by curing the child, he did not do so.

Instead, he assured him that he would give him the mental

strength throughout his life to bear the trauma of bringing up

such a child.

 

This incident throws light on the enigma why saints do not

intercede and help the devotees by alleviating their sorrows by

providing instant relief when it is possible for them to do so.

It is in this context that the role of Karma in human lives must

be understood in the larger perspective. This birth is only one

in the long chain of transmigration of a soul and the Karma which

has started giving result in a particular birth is meant to be

worked out in that life. By interrupting it one can only postpone

this Karma to another life which is not desirable for the

spiritual progress of the soul.

 

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