Article sent from The Hindu

[Guest guest]

=============================================================

This article has been sent to you by Ram Chandran ( rchandran )

=============================================================

Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/07/03/stories/2002070300540800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

  

 

``Manual of instructions by Manickavachagar

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

JULY 3.

 

Apart from numerous guidelines interspersed in all scriptural books, in some

among them are deeply hidden certain powerful "Mantras" reciting which a devotee

can be in communion with God. These texts ask us to make a deep study of the

verses and if this is not possible, at least listen to their expositions so as

to make us think over the statements therein and act. If both are difficult, at

least the valuable and precious texts can be kept in our homes as the "Mantras"

will exert an indirect influence on us. Some of the saints had not gone to any

school, but still Divine Grace filtered into them making them illumined. Steps

like visiting temples, adoring the idols and reading sacred works and attending

the talks by saints will strengthen our moral bend. The "Thiruvachagam" by

Manickavachagar is such an important holy book as it contains the "Sivapuranam"

revealing the five-lettered "Siva Mantram". It is a spontaneous outpouring of

the heart's travail and triumph in melodious!

songs and can be termed as a manual of instructions for the conquest of the

enemies within us. Though God is present everywhere, He presents Himself in an

individual in the deepest and most central chamber of the soul. The saint

declares that a devotee who deeply yearns to enjoy Bliss will not be let down if

he firmly catches God's Feet thereby making Him practically immobile. Material

prosperity may get transferred from one source to another easily at any moment

but when a person holds to God through devotion, He will not go away from him.

Such a devotee should ensure purity of his body and soul, said Sri

Kanagasubramaniam in a lecture.

 

"Cling fast to God, who is free from all desires. Seek Him for your freedom from

attachment", says Saint Thiruvalluvar in one of his couplets. True religious

life consists of the avoidance of envy, craving for pleasure, anger and harsh

words. Do not say to yourself, "let me see about it later when I am better

fitted". Religious aspirations will be the unfailing support when all else will

disappear and become of no use. How to be freed from evil influences can be

learnt from the life of an ant, which will cleverly carry only the tiny piece of

sugar though an identical particle of sand is also kept nearby. Though only

paddy seeds are sown, yet weeds also grow, which ought to be removed. Without

postponing a decision to resort to religious steps one should strive hard to

reach the goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright: 1995 - 2002 The Hindu

 

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

prohibited without the consent of The Hindu