The Hindu Article - Nuances of spirituality

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Date:16/08/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/16/stories/2003081600050900.htm

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Nuances of spirituality

 

CHENNAI AUG.16 . Human beings differ from one another because of

their secular identities but their intrinsic spiritual nature and the

capacity to love God are basic to all them. It is for this reason

that saints like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa expressed concern about

those who did not take to spiritual life and advised followers on the

ways to develop devotion to God. Spiritual practices have been

designed to strengthen devotion. But for one who is steeped in

devotion these practices may not be necessary. He will be absorbed in

contemplation irrespective of the situation in which he is placed and

may not need a favourable environment to remember God. But, for a

beginner and those who are sincerely following the spiritual path,

these practices are essential for their progress. It is akin to

teaching mathematics to a child. Initially one has to use objects to

teach the concept of number for doing addition, subtraction and so on

but after its mind develops the quality of abstraction, the objects

become redundant.

 

As the level of evolution of each spiritual seeker was different

various spiritual practices were necessary, said Swami Gautamananda

in his discourse. If by pilgrimage to sacred places a person's

devotion is enhanced then the practice is suitable for him. Besides,

every person develops interest in spirituality only when the time is

ripe for him. So it cannot be forced on one whose interest is very

worldly. One cannot teach trigonometry to a child when it is just

trying to grasp the basics of mathematics. But no one is out of

bounds as far as spirituality is concerned. Every individual without

fail will be drawn to it when the time comes.

 

But there have been exceptions also. Sri Ramakrishna knowing that a

certain person would die early directed him to give up his career to

take to spiritual life without disclosing why he was insisting on it.

Gautama Buddha's disciple, Ananda, was not given to spiritual

practices but served him with great devotion. And when the Buddha's

end was near it occurred to him that he had not spiritually benefited

from him and demanded that he teach him the truth. The Master taught

him and within no time he was enlightened. This highlights that

aspiration for liberation is man's birthright and one can demand it

from God and the preceptor. Instead of distancing God by postulating

Him as the Almighty it will be spiritually beneficial to relate to

Him personally and take the same liberties as one would with one's

parents.

 

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