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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/04/19/stories/2002041900120800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Enormous spiritual powers of preceptors

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 19.

 

While highlighting several vital moral instructions necessary for a human

being's character building, the greatest importance has been given in our

scriptures for an aspiring devotee to seek the guidance of a spiritual master

and obtain his blessings in any venture proposed to be undertaken by him. Where

a person has ignored showing reverence to such a valuable preceptor, he may not

succeed in his endeavours. By virtue of their disciplined lives and observance

of austerities, the Acharyas have gained enormous spiritual powers though they

may not exhibit them openly. Hence their advice should be sought at every stage.

A practical illustration of the deep reverence shown to such a mentor is

provided in the Ramayana. The devotion shown to such an authority culminated in

the grand wedding of the Lord, in His human form, with the Divine Mother

manifesting as Sita.

 

On the other hand the failure to get the approval of the family's religious

guide at the first instance ended in a calamity. While placing his desire (not a

decision) before an august assembly to crown the prince (Rama), the emperor did

not seek the views of the royal preceptor and the earlier expression of

concurrence, which took about 14 minutes with others, saw the exile of the

vice-regent-to-be for 14 years. An auspicious time was fixed for the coronation

in consultation with priests and Vasishta was requested to make the necessary

arrangements. The extreme eagerness on the part of the assembly to see Rama as

their king made Dasaratha doubt whether they were not happy with his own rule

all along. It was then that the citizens described elaborately Rama's qualities

 

Rama was an ocean of virtues, wise, endearing and delightful; like the moon, He

was so charming, bringing gladness to people and like the elephant, His very

gait was graceful. He was wholly devoted to Truth and Righteousness. He was

sweet spoken, grateful and self-controlled. Explaining further the reaction of

the people, Sri K. Balasubramania Raman, in a discourse, said (according to

them) Rama was a young man with indomitable spirit and superb intellect, well

versed in the rules of Dharma and polity. All these sincere encomiums made

Dasaratha feel proud and the stage was set for Rama's coronation, which

unfortunately by a quirk of fate, was postponed due to the machinations of a

servant-maid who made her mistress demand His banishment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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