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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

 

Humility, hallmark of holy men

 

CHENNAI, AUG. 6. How can human beings face the tough problems

during their journey in life? Scriptures have provided various

solutions, by far the best among them being, seeking the company

of godly men and showing respect to them. At the same time,

emphasis is laid on avoiding association, in any manner, with

evil-minded persons.

 

``Unprovoked opposition, cruel intentions, envy of good men and

entering into vain arguments are the natural qualities of the

wicked. Hence, though adorned with learning, such persons should

be shunned. Is not a serpent, though bedecked with a jewel in its

hood, dangerous,'' says Bartruhari.

 

No one will provide milk to a snake knowing that it will return

only poison. Good company removes the dullness of intellect,

infuses truth into speech, bestows great honour, helps to get rid

of sins, purifies the mind and generates moral strength.

 

A hymn says that bathing in the Ganga will wipe out sins. This is

a firm belief of all devotees and a great scholar has sung that

sinners will get chastened by adopting this step. Likewise, men

can enjoy peace when the moon shines and spreads its coolness on

the world. Similarly those who become prosperous will be only

eager to give expression to their desires, sitting under the

divine wish-yielding tree (kalpataru). But all the three -

freedom from sin, happiness and wealth - can be obtained from one

source viz. the ``sadhu'' or the pious. Such a distinguished,

pure and divine soul will be humble, extend his kindness and

render selfless service to those who come to him. A pious man can

be identified by his humility and eagerness to wipe out the tears

of the distressed.

 

In a discourse, the Sakatapuram Sankaracharya said educational

attainments, wealth and power in the hands of the unscrupulous

will be misused, to cause harm to others and to display their

opulence through extravagant deeds.

 

On the other hand, holy men will use their academic distinctions

to sharpen their knowledge, utilise the money they come to

possess for charitable causes and the strength they gain, to help

the downtrodden and the distressed.

 

The classic example of how Duryodhana attempted to demonstrate

his bravery before the Pandavas while the latter were in the

forest reveals the base thoughts of such men. The Lord in the

Bhagavad Gita has said that whenever religion is scoffed at or

slandered, He would descend on the mundane plane in order to

protect His ardent devotees, destroy the demons and to establish

moral order. God will be ever on the side of those who hold to

His feet and those who uphold virtue.

 

 

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