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

 

Universal method to realise God

 

CHENNAI, OCT. 12. The religion based on the Vedas, Sanatana

Dharma, advocates many means for realising the goal of liberation

from rebirths, the important among them being the paths of Jnana

(knowledge), Karma and devotion. These are referred as ``Yoga''

which means ``to yoke'', thereby indicating that the lower levels

of consciousness are to be transcended to unite with the Supreme

consciousness. Right from the Vedic age many sages have realised

God by adopting these methods. Some have been great spiritual

masters (Siddhas) in the technique of Yoga and in the process

attained powers over the body and the mind.The case of

Jadabharata mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavata Purana readily

comes to mind. Jadabharata in one of his earlier births as

Bharata was the descendent of Rishabhadeva, who renounced his

kingdom to engage in austerities and the Purana mentions that he

had attained rare Yogic powers. Bharata was also disposed to the

practice of Yoga and devotion. Such an evolved soul who was

mentally detached to his throne and family happened to get

attached to the young one of a deer. He was engrossed in thoughts

about the welfare of the helpless animal when his hour of death

approached.

 

True to the scriptural dictum that the thoughts during the last

moments have bearing on the next birth, Bharata was reborn as a

deer. Because of Yogic attainments the deer remembered its

previous life and regretted for swerving from the spiritual path.

To expunge this lapse the deer spent its life in the hermitage of

Sage Pulastya and Pulaha (Salagrama Kshetra) on the bank of the

Gandaki River and because of this merit was born again as

Jadabharata in its next birth. He became a great Yogi who

happened to discourse on the abstract truth to King Rahugana.

 

In his benedictory address, Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal of

Kanchi Kamakoti Math said even in recent times there had been

many Yogis. Bhakti Yoga which is loving devotion to God involves

practices like chanting the Divine names and singing the glory of

God for enabling the mind to dwell on God. Karma Yoga involves

performance of one's duties without attachment to the result, as

an offering to God, by which the mind develops detachment. The

Gita elaborates on the practice of Yoga for controlling the mind

to realise God. The technique of Yoga is universal in that it is

prevalent in many faiths and can be adopted by anyone for

achieving peace of mind. Peace is essential at every stage of

life and it is not the prerogative of monks alone. Only a person

who is at peace with himself can promote it in society.

 

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