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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/06/18/stories/2002061800470800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

Three categories of God-seekers

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

JUNE 18

 

.. Attitudes about God's qualities and powers will vary and based on them, men

have been classified into three broad categories. Some rely on him totally,

repose their faith in Him, love Him, adore Him and serve Him with dedication. To

them God will surely respond favourably, and with warmth and affection, will

embrace and guide them. An example of a man who approaches a wealthy person for

help will be apt here. This alms-seeker, while waiting, fondles the would-be

donor's child, which becomes happy. On arrival at the scene the rich man is

pleased at the happy mood of his child and consequently he may spare to the

recipient much more than what he expected. The second group of persons are those

who denigrate God, who too in turn will hate them. It is akin to the man in need

who walks into a philanthropist's house scolding the babe for having spoiled his

dress and "purity". The rich man will surely be angry with the man who has come

to beg as he had offended his child. Of the t!

hird category are those who neither like God nor dislike Him. God will not

favour them too. Even among God-lovers, there may be some who will not offer

prayers while others may praise His merciful qualities through hymns while yet

others, well qualified, offer their benedictions to the Lord. Some may seek from

Him relief from worldly agony, some ask for return of the lost property and

status while some, who have gained spiritual knowledge, will not desire anything

but salvation. Similarly some will wish to proceed to heaven to remain there

while others may like to be in the presence of God and some may want to identify

themselves totally with Him. God knows what, when and how to extend His

benefactions to His devotees and His acts, which carry a purpose, cannot be

questioned. Even if He tries to show His ire at some of the devotees for their

faults, He can be "disarmed" by the penitents by "Anjali", to mark their

surrender.

 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna (representing humanity) steeped in the gloom of

negative line of thought, sought Lord Krishna's grace when the latter revealed

to him His Cosmic Form (Viswaroopa) granting him the divine vision and power to

behold it. Sri R. Madhavachariar, in a discourse, said according to Arjuna,

Krishna has occupied all quarters of the Universe. Celestials are struck with

awe at His wonderful form, join their palms, some chant hymns, admiring and

adoring Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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