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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/18/stories/2002051800320800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Lord Rama unified social structure

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 18.

 

Religion, which is a source of inspiration for the welfare of mankind, is of

late unfortunately provoking negative sentiments. Diversity of culture,

community and religion are gifts rather than curses. Just as a common thread

runs through a garland consisting of a variety of flowers, the same thread of

humanity prevails in all of us. It is necessary that we revive and spread the

message left by spiritual giants. Our hearts should be transformed by wisdom and

we should learn to love each other. In His time Lord Rama unified the social

structure and demonstrated to people how to forgive, as for instance, when

Vibhishana offered his surrender, the Divine Prince welcomed him with affection

and crowned him temporarily. When Sugriva raised a hypothetical question as to

what would happen if Ravana (His enemy) were to regret and approach Him for a

pardon, Rama replied that He would hand over to him His own kingdom thereby

showing His magnanimity and compassion. Our sages used to pr!

ay to God to guide and lead men on to the path of enlightenment, from death to

immortality and from darkness to light. Based on their teachings people should

try to increase their wealth of meditation. This is the only prized possession,

which belongs to them and will also accompany them. Guru Nanak once gave a small

bag with some money to a very miserly trader asking him to hand it over back to

him in Heaven. "Is this even conceivable", the trader asked when the Guru shot

back: "If you cannot take this small bag why then you are wasting time and

energy hoarding material possessions and accumulating money which has to be left

behind when you leave this world?"

 

In a lecture on the need for everyone to take to service to God through

humanity, Sri Musafir Anand said the mind should be focussed on the Holy Names.

In the Gita, the Lord tells Arjuna: "You are in Me and I am in you. I know this

secret, not you. If you concentrate on the Inner Light and the Holy Names, you

will get disconnected from worldly illusion and also escape from the cycle of

rebirths." Worship brings about the union of an individual with God. An aspirant

should remember that human life alone is the gateway to salvation. "We are sent

to the world to better ourselves but we forget our Creator as the mission of

life is lost in the gross world of materialism." Only the spiritual wealth

earned by constantly reciting God's Names will save us from extinction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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