The Hindu Article - Truth needs to be reiterated

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Date:20/02/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/20/stories/2003022001840900.htm

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Truth needs to be reiterated

 

CHENNAI FEB.20 . Great men have appeared in every age to teach

humanity the eternal truth enshrined in the scriptures. Why should

the truth be taught again and again? Human nature is such that one

has to be constantly reminded about the important objectives of life.

Otherwise, amidst the several preoccupations of day-to-day life the

mind gets easily distracted from the goal that must be pursued by

every individual. This is the reason why there is a vast amount of

secondary scriptural texts written by sages and preceptors of the

various traditions. A single work, which gives guidelines about the

significance of human birth, the goal of human life and how to lead a

fruitful life in the world, is the Bhagavad Gita.

 

The preceptors of the philosophical systems have interpreted the Gita

and these commentaries are in vogue and considered traditional. The

greatness of this body of teachings of Lord Krishna lies in the fact

that it lends itself to fresh interpretations and thus it is possible

for even lay people to study the Gita. This begs the question, "For

whom is the Bhagavad Gita intended?" To answer this one must consider

to whom it was originally taught. Lord Krishna neither taught this to

Yudishthira who was verily the embodiment of Dharma nor Bhima on whom

the teachings would have been wasted, as he was a man of action.

Arjuna was the chosen one because he had all the prerequisites of a

disciple to whom spiritual truth could be taught. Arjuna was the

archetype of the average human being to whom the Gita's teachings

were intended, said Sri Suki Sivam in his discourse.

 

There is a saying in spiritual tradition that the Guru (preceptor)

appears in the life of a disciple when he is ready to receive

spiritual wisdom. The Guru-disciple nexus is unique in that the

preceptor knows the level of his disciple's spiritual evolution and

thus can steer him along the path by giving proper guidance. The

student on his part must have a receptive mind to learn. It is this

right combination that can lead to fruitful interaction.

 

Lord Krishna told Arjuna, "I imparted this immortal Yoga to Vivasvan

(Sun-god). Vivasvan taught it to Manu and Manu to Ikshvaku. This

teaching was handed down from teacher to disciple in succession and

was known to the royal sages. But, owing to long lapse of time, it

was lost to the world. You are My devotee and friend and hence I have

today declared to you that ancient Yoga. For, it is a noble secret

which can be imparted only to a worthy disciple."

 

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