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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/02/27/stories/2002022700130800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Chanting God's names, suitable for this age

 

 

 

CHENNAI

FEB.27

 

.. It is not an exaggeration to say that the scriptural literature is as much

delineation of the glory of devotees as much as it is of God. It is for the sake

of His devotes that the Lord assumes many forms and manifests in the world so

that they can realise Him. His divine deeds during His incarnations in human

form especially are a perennial source of inspiration for spiritual aspirants as

they highlight His compassion, easy accessibility and other auspicious

qualities. But the irony is that the nature of the present age (Kali yuga) is

such that it induces lethargy in the minds of even those who are spiritually

inclined thereby distracting them from pursuing the goal of liberation

resolutely. What then is the way out?

 

Dhruva, the child-devotee, gives inkling into how it is possible to overcome the

ill effects of this age. God as the inner controller in every human being has to

grace the devotee and make his mind steadfast.Dhruva in his prayer says, "You

foster even wretched devotees like us, impatient as You always are to shower

Your grace on them." Scriptural texts like the Bhagavata Purana state that the

method for realising God will differ from age to age. In the earlier Yugas it

was possible to engage in severe austerities, penance and perform elaborate

sacrifices strictly according to scriptural prescriptions. All these are not

possible for the majority of people now. It was in consideration of the nature

of the Kali yuga itself that the scriptures reiterated that it was possible to

secure liberation from rebirths by devotion to God, said Sri Srikantha Sarma in

his discourse.

 

The child-devotee, Prahlada, for whose sake God incarnated in the unique

man-lion form, Narasimha, describes the nine features of devotion as follows, "

To hear the names, praises and stories of Lord Vishnu and chant them, to

remember Him, to wait upon Him, to offer worship and salutation to Him, to

dedicate one's actions to Him, to cultivate friendship with Him and to offer

one's body as well as one's dependents and belongings to Him."

 

He exemplified such devotion but it is apparent that it is beyond the laity. It

is out of compassion for humanity that the easiest mode of devotion, chanting

the names and glory of God, has been prescribed for this age. Sridhara Ayyaval,

Bhodendra and Sadguru Swamigal excelled in this path to Godhead that the

tradition of Nama Siddhanta in South India has become synonymous with these

saints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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