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

 

Gateway to liberation

 

CHENNAI, NOV. 3. The term ``Penance'' widely used in the

scriptural guidelines is often mistaken to mean that a person

should retire to seclusion and escape from worldly enjoyments.

Broadly it indicates the steps to be adopted to remain ever in

communion with God through various exercises such as meditation

and through austere observances. Even living amidst the normal

surroundings, a person, limiting his desires and carrying out his

daily duties with detachment, can be constantly thinking of God's

merciful qualities. Even sages were married but they pursued the

path which led to the divine kingdom. To be ever attached to God

is possible by abiding to the moral code, be frugal in food,

apportion all leisure time to pray to God, after discharging

family obligations. A framework has been made available to lead a

life of virtue so as to enjoy Bliss. Any violation of the rules

of the divine constitution will result in distress. Even God in

human form strictly adhered to these directives. Those who were

keen to lead a life based on Righteousness, sought guidance from

spiritual leaders and God too in His incarnation was taught by

such enlightened men. (Like Vasishta and Sandipani). In one of

the divine manifestations as Lord Rishabadara, valuable advice

has been made available to lead a life of perfection, by every

individual.

 

The Bhagavatam dealing with the glorious administration of his

kingdom by Rishaba (meaning, the foremost), explains how he

performed his actions like an ordinary mortal and taught to the

ignorant by his own example, the duties which had been forgotten

through passage of time. He remained equipoised, calm and

controlled, was friendly disposed towards all and full of

compassion. Once in the presence of his subjects, he addressed

his own sons ... who were disciplined, on the methods to adhere

to ``Dharma''. This teaching throws light on men's duties and on

spiritual exercises, said Sri P.M. Vijayaraghava Sastrigal in a

discourse.

 

``The human body deserves in this world, something better than

the pleasures which result in misery and which are available to

the creatures that feed on ordure. It should be devoted to the

highest austerities by which the mind is purified and enabled to

bring one, the endless Bliss. Service of the ``great'' is the

gateway to liberation, while association with wicked person will

lead to hell. The ``great'' are those who are equable in their

attitude towards all and have peace in their hearts, who are free

from anger and are friendly to all that lives and whose conduct

in every way is exemplary. A clever man should tear the veil

known by the name ``ego'' by abstaining from actions done with

some interested motive; by listening to stories about God,

through even- mindedness, tranquillity, freedom from animosity;

by living in solitude; through faith in saints and holy books;

through continence, and equipped with firmness, diligence and

discretion.''

 

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