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

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Glory of adherence to righteousness

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI, FEB. 4. Great men have earned immortal fame by their adherence to

righteousness even in dire circumstances. It is common to see people

compromising their principles in difficult situations and justifying their acts

later by saying that it is impossible to abide by Dharma always. It requires

tremendous moral courage to stick to the path of Dharma as this will constantly

pose problems. But this should not deter one as the merit for following it is

greater than the immediate gains one may get for compromising it.

 

King Bali attained lasting fame by his adherence to truth as he knowingly kept

his promise to Lord Vamana to give whatever He wanted from him. When the Lord

asked for just three paces of land measured by His tiny feet, he went to the

extent of cautioning Him that after soliciting something from him who was the

undisputed ruler of all the worlds, He should not beg again. Vamana after

dilating on the virtue of contentment told him with certainty that His need

would be met by the three paces of land He asked of him. The king agreed with

amusement. Bali's preceptor Sukracharya who was witness to this exchange

cautioned him that it was the Almighty Himself who had come in the guise of this

dwarfish religious student and that He would usurp all his fortune and bestow it

on Indra.

 

Sukra advised him, ``The wise do not commend that gift through which one's

living is lost. For in this world charity, sacrificial performances, austerity

and other righteous acts are possible only for him who has a means of

subsistence.'' Bali reflected on his advice and told him categorically that

though it was true that a householder's charitable deeds should not impinge on

his livelihood, ``There is no unrighteousness greater than falsehood. I regard

myself capable of sustaining all other than a man given to lying. I am not

afraid of hell, poverty and misery nor of falling from my position and death as

of playing an alms-seeker false.''

 

In his discourse, Sri B. Sundar Kumar said even though his preceptor cursed him

for not heeding his counsel, Bali gifted the land sought by Vamana after

worshipping Him. It was the divine will that Bali should achieve eternal glory

for adhering to truth in spite of knowing that he would lose all his

possessions. He was blessed with the cosmic vision of the Lord and offered his

head when Vamana assumed the Trivikrama form and asked him where He should

measure the third step.

 

 

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