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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/21/stories/2002052100440800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Man must actualise his spiritual nature

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 21

 

.. The scriptures underscore that all living beings like humans undergo the life

processes of birth, growth and decay. They use their sensory organs and natural

instinct for survival in the world. Adi Sankara in his commentary on the

Brahmasutra, in fact, notes that human beings are no different from animals in

this regard and it is only when they actualise their spiritual potential that

they become truly humans. Such a candid remark of a philosopher-saint must make

every individual reflect whether he is leading an animal-like existence or

making efforts to progress spiritually for which God has given him this human

birth.

 

As long as a person leads a materialistic life in the world he is caught in the

web of Karma which was responsible for this present birth also. But as soon he

develops spiritual inclination God becomes his friend and guide. The law of

Karma determines the experiences of human beings in worldly life and God does

not interfere in its working, though He is the dispenser of the fruit of Karma.

What a human being enjoys in a lifetime is finite and predetermined. But this

does not apply to spiritual life. Spiritual bliss is infinite. The moment a

person turns towards God with the understanding that this birth must be utilised

for realising Him, He intervenes whenever necessary to ensure that His devotee

never loses sight of his goal.

 

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said in the initial stages of spiritual

life the devotee looked upon himself as a vassal of God and sought enlightenment

and help from Him for his spiritual progress. But there comes a stage in

spiritual evolution when the mind is purified of its materialistic tendencies

and the devotee's outlook is reversed. His devotion is so total that God does

his bidding and fulfils whatever he wishes. But, at that level the devotee is

only interested in enjoying his relationship with God whom he looks upon as his

father, mother, friend and so on.

 

A spiritual aspirant must seek the guidance of scriptures, preceptor and saints

as far as his spiritual progress is concerned because they are the authority in

this matter. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, for instance, in his conversations

with his devotees often provided rare insights into human behaviour which will

be helpful for the spiritually inclined. One should not take one's problems

pertaining to worldly life to saints, as their concern is totally spiritual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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