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

 

Merit of singing God's glory

 

CHENNAI, AUG. 13. Worldly life has been described in the

scriptures as a perpetual strife which will not give human beings

peace of mind to engage in spiritual pursuits. The scriptural

texts and saints have indicated that one desirous of liberation

from the cycle of rebirths must consciously engage in devotional

activities. Spiritual life is not different from the worldly life

one leads and it requires only a re-orientation of one's

priorities in life. Remembering God while engaged in routine work

is a habit which is sure to yield rich dividends. So also is the

practice of singing God's glory which can be followed by anyone

at any time.

 

Narada is a good example to highlight the beautitude a person can

attain by singing the glory of God. When devotion to God is

practised as a means to liberation it is with great difficulty

that God reveals Himself, but He waits on a devotee who engages

in devotional activities like singing His praise, when he does it

for His own sake. Devotion in such a case becomes an end in

itself and even the goal of liberation loses its meaning because

God is more concerned about the welfare of the devotee. Whether

he lives in the world or is released and performs service to Him

in His transcendental abode, it makes no difference to him, as he

revels only in devotion to God and actions cease to bind him

anymore.

 

Narada told Sage Vyasa that in his previous birth the Lord

revealed Himself to him because of the merit he had obtained due

to serving the sages to instil in him the desire to envision Him

again. Without losing heart he continued repeating His auspicious

names till his end came and was blessed with His vision. The sage

added ``playing upon the lute bestowed upon me by the Lord

Himself and bringing out the seven primary notes that represent

Brahman in the form of sound, I go about singing the story of Sri

Hari. As I sing of His exploits, the Lord of delightful renown,

whose feet represent all sacred places soon reveals Himself in my

heart as if summoned by me.''

 

In his discourse, Sri K. Srikanta Sarma said it was to highlight

that He delighted in the company of His devotees that Krishna

lived amidst the cowherd community in Gokul during His childhood

and performed several extraordinary deeds to grace them. Blessed

were these simple folks who had no inkling of their greatness for

they sported with Him and took liberties in ways unimaginable.

The Lord allowed Himself to be chided and bound by Yashoda; He

served as a charioteer to Arjuna, and to a woman in distress,

protected her modesty when she called out to Him.

 

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