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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/29/stories/2002052901120800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Eight attributes of the Almighty

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 29

 

.. Having been granted a rare boon by God to be born as human beings with proper

sense organs and several faculties, most important of which is to use rational

thinking and judging issues, should not men achieve the sole aim of life

to worship God, abide by the scriptural directives and gain salvation? If they

fritter away these gifts or misuse them for non-productive purposes, they will

be no different from other creations like animals. The body, with its soul,

should be dedicated to God and the knowledge that is ready to be acquired,

should be gained by proper methods, so as to take them on a safe journey through

life. Difficulties which men face are due to the violations of the Divine norms

made available for them and these result in rebirths. The scriptures have shown

the paths to reach the goal and if men do not resort to them, God cannot be

blamed as some do when they come across problems. Sufferings sprout when the

sense organs are not utilised for the purposes !

for which they have been endowed.

 

Sri Srimushnam Andavan Swamigal, in a discourse, cited two couplets from

Thirukkural to point out that those who find refuge in God will live eternally

in heaven. Actions, both good and bad, which spring from darkness of the mind,

will never touch those who ever chant the glories of the Lord. Saint

Thiruvalluvar adds that the head that does not bow down before and worship the

feet of the Almighty, who possesses eight distinguishing attributes

(self-dependence, immaculate body, natural understanding, omniscience, freedom

from attachments, unlimited grace, boundless Bliss and omnipotence) will be akin

to the "palsied" senses (practically dead and are hence worthless as other sense

organs do not function and are quite mute). Identical are the sentiments

expressed in the "Mukundamala" by Kulasekhara Azhwar, which state that the

tongue should always sing the Lord's mercy, the hands should worship and adore

Him, the legs should take him (a devotee) to places of pilgrimage and temp!

les, the ears should listen to His compassionate acts, the eyes should derive

delight in witnessing the bewitching consecrated idols and the nose should smell

the fragrance of the basil leaves placed at His Feet and bow down before the

Lord. These will enable a man to conquer the enemies within and drive away

external foes trying to disturb his attention from outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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