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

 

Ramanuja's stress on giving up ego

 

CHENNAI, OCT. 20. Is there any measure by which the depth and

intensity of devotion can be assessed or estimated? There is none

because genuine devotion transcends all barriers such as caste or

creed or religion. God is pleased with the display of the innate

urge in persons to adore Him and will visit them. More important

is the fact that such devotees should totally give up any ego in

them and surrender at God's feet without expecting any return.

There may, of course be some, who may be devoted to the Almighty

to some extent only because of their pride that they are in a

position to give and that the recipients of their generosity are

after all poor. But what singles out true devotees is that they

submit themselves totally and are without desires. They may be

poor but will not be jealous of others who are better off. They

may also be facing hardships but on that score will not hate or

blame anyone. All these are possible because they have no ego.

Will not the acts of charity enable a person to give up this ego?

If so, as one goes on with his charitable deeds, his ego should

decrease. On the other hand, if his pride increases, his

philanthropic acts will be a mere waste.

 

An elucidation on the theme of ego-shedding was given in a

discourse by Sri Ganapathi Sacchidananda Swami by narrating an

episode from Ramajuna's life. On his tour once he chose to stay

in a very small residence of an extremely poor couple. His

arrival in that village caused a flutter because a millionaire in

nearby place had arranged an extravagant reception to him. While

the husband (of the couple) had gone out to earn, the woman was

in a dilemma as she had no decent dress to go out nor had any

money to fetch provisions to cook and serve Ramanuja and his

entourage. The saint made her don the ochre robe he was wearing.

The religious leader sat on a mud mound and conducted his daily

puja. The millionaire was upset that he was ignored though he was

awaiting with lavish food to be served not only to the Acharya

but several other rich guests. Ramanuja explained to him that the

wealthy disciple was only keen on displaying his opulence. A

person should worship God with the flowers at the end of a branch

and not the latter itself. The Acharya said that the flower

represented ego which should be surrendered to God. The

millionaire-disciple had no doubt a charitable attitude but he

had not given up his pride in toto and Ramanuja reminded how the

poor couple were completely immersed in devotion and service to

him.

 

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