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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/21/stories/2002032100280800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Prayer, most valuable gift given by God

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

March 21

 

.. Countless are the creations of God, ranging from an insect to that of a mighty

and ferocious beast, not to mention about human beings. But the latter

distinguish themselves from the former, by using the faculty of thinking. With

its help, they can identify the evil from the good and wrong from the right. It

is hence necessary for every man (and woman) to use this "Divine tool" properly,

think deeply and approach the goal of his (or her) life. What then should be the

purpose of his birth, why did God cause his appearance and what are his duties,

are the questions that should engage his attention. The most valuable gift God

has given to everyone is "prayer", a medium through which one can establish

communion with Him. Like a child, who cries when in need of its feed and the

mother who will rush to it, prayers of a person will surely compel God to

respond.

 

There are certain guidelines given in scriptural texts as to how a man should

conduct himself. There are bound to be problems and challenges, but instead of

getting disheartened, he has to face them boldly. What is essential for him is

to know his limitations. Desires he cannot avoid, but he can surely restrict his

needs and display contentment with what God has provided. He should not abuse

others or throw blame on them. Circumstances responsible for certain events

cannot be altered but one can change his angle of thinking and be calm.

 

A question may be asked as to how can a man lead worldly life if he is totally

dependent on God. The answer for this is that he should do his duties

disinterestedly, not aspiring for the fruits thereof. His thoughts should be

focussed on the source of power from where he derives his strength. Man's goal

is to ensure that there is no rebirth. The three paths made available to him

duty, devotion and knowledge are complementary to one another. For

this the example of a sweet was cited by Sri Guduge Viswanath Guruji (Bangalore)

in a lecture, referring to its size, weight and contents, like sugar.

 

How a person should remain in the world has been described in scriptures such as

his being free from perturbation, unaffected by mundane gains or losses. In his

efforts to travel on the path of virtue, a proper mentor should guide him.

Humility, less talk and discharging his obligations without an eye on fruits are

some of the qualities, which he should cultivate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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