The Hindu Article: Virtues conducive to spiritual life

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Date:21/02/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/21/stories/2003022101060900.htm

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Virtues conducive to spiritual life

 

CHENNAI FEB.21 . The scriptures of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) are

classified into two and they encompass religion and philosophy.

Together they envisage an integral and natural development of the

human personality to realise both worldly and spiritual goals. Two

objectives are highlighted in the texts dealing with religion. The

first is the rituals concerning the practice of religion and the

other is about Dharma, which is the basis of the entire creation. The

manuals explaining the values that must be followed in human life are

called Dharmasastras and they prescribe a certain lifestyle, which

will enable a person to lead his life properly.

 

Another important point stressed is the attitude one must have

towards life in general. It is belief in the scriptures and the

willingness to follow the teachings of the scriptures with faith.

These texts prepare the person for pursuing the spiritual path, which

is dealt with in the second part of the scriptures— the Vedanta.

Without faith in religion and values, scriptural study will amount to

only scholarship. By following the principles advocated by the

scriptures an individual evolves emotionally and intellectually and

this overall development prepares him for spiritual life.

 

The scriptures are likened to a mother who feeds her infant wholesome

food, as she is concerned about its health. Similarly, the scriptures

enable one who follows them to lead a balanced life so that he can

realise both worldly benefits and liberation from rebirths, which is

the ultimate aim.

 

In her discourse, Swamini Satyavratananda said two types of

characters could be seen in human beings— the spiritual and the

materialistic. The first is the virtuous type of person whom the

Bhagavad Gita terms as "divine", the one who is spiritually disposed

naturally. Such a person must have taken to the spiritual path even

in his earlier births. Others who do not have this urge naturally

must consciously cultivate good qualities. The Gita elaborates in

detail the virtues conducive to spiritual growth.

 

They are fearlessness, purity of heart, resoluteness in knowledge and

devotion, benevolence, control of the senses, worship, study of the

scriptures, austerity, uprightness, non-violence, truthfulness,

freedom from anger, renunciation, tranquillity, aversion to slander,

compassion to living beings, freedom from sensuality, gentleness,

modesty, steadfastness, vigour, patience, fortitude, purity,

harmlessness and freedom from vanity.

 

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