The Hindu Article - God indwells in all

[Guest guest]

Date:19/07/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/07/19/stories/2003071900260900.htm

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

God indwells in all

 

CHENNAI JULY 19 . Devotees know that God is everywhere and that He

can be worshipped in any form. But, does everyone have the eye to

behold Him in every being? If one has such an intuitive vision then

it is all right. Not all have it and hence it is necessary to first

worship the Lord in some particular form. Likewise, it is essential

to serve all creatures and fellow human beings with the knowledge

that He indwells in all. It is not humanly possible to develop such

an outlook all of a sudden. Cultivation of the company of devotees

and saints will enable one to see for oneself how they relate to

others. Just as fire is present in all objects but can be kindled in

firewood easily, so also, God who is in all can be discerned more

easily in some forms and saintly people.

 

Saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu considered compassion towards living

beings, glory of the Divine name and service to devotees, as the

basis of spiritual life. These virtues were evident in the spiritual

ministry of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. It is

pertinent to consider honestly whether one can be compassionate

towards all. Such a doubt will be dispelled if it is seen that this

quality is a natural God-given trait because even animals express

this quality towards their offspring. When one serves another person

one should be grateful that such an opportunity has come one's way.

Service must be rendered with total humility and with devotion.

Service performed with this understanding that God is present in

every being is worship

 

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said only human beings had the

capacity to undertake spiritual practices and realise God. It is for

this reason that man is placed on a higher status in the order of

God's creation. The guidance of a spiritual preceptor (Guru) is

paramount for realising God. In truth the Supreme Being is the Guru

but for the sake of teaching the spiritual truth to humanity He

assumes a human form. Man forgets his true identity— that he is the

Self— which is blissful and eternal, when he engages in the world.

The Guru, who is Self-realised, shares spiritual knowledge with

others and guides them towards the same end, assuring them that it is

possible for all to attain liberation. Just as success in any worldly

enterprise depends on self-effort, so also in spiritual life for

realising God every aspirant must consciously strive towards the

goal. The Guru teaches the same truth to everyone; the aspirant who

is sincere will progress faster.

 

© Copyright 2000 - 2002 The Hindu