Hindu Article-Seek company of saints

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the article in todays hindu will be of help to all those who are

engaged in realising the lifes goal.

 

 

 

Seek company of saints

 

 

CHENNAI, SEPT.11 . The Supreme Being (Brahman) and His power of

manifestation (Sakti) are inseparable but confusion arises in the

minds of spiritual seekers because they are spoken of as distinct.

The ultimate principle is one and everything subsumed in it. Then how

does one explain the diversity, which is only evident to experience?

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to explain this enigma to his

devotees citing the example of the ocean and the waves arising in it.

The ocean is one expanse of water and the waves appear in it but in

essence there is no distinction between them. The wave looks

different because of name and form. So also is the case with Brahman

and Sakti. The diversity has sprung from the Absolute.

 

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said wherever name and form were

apparent one must understand that they are the manifestation of the

Absolute. Such philosophical truths can be comprehended only when one

adopts the spiritual path wherein certain prescribed exercises are to

be practised. First is listening to the exposition of the truth from

realised saints and preceptors well versed in the scriptures, as they

will speak from experience. Then the seeker must commit the facts he

has learnt to memory and finally reflect on them in meditation till

he is able to experience the truth of what he has learnt. If one

meditates on the truth that God is present in all, then it will be

possible to overcome the ego and identify with the Self (Atman)

within.

 

For those desirous of liberation Sri Ramakrishna used to emphasise

cultivation of the company of saints and devotees. In such company it

will be possible to exchange each other's experiences and in the

process doubts will get cleared and faith in God will be

strengthened. Moreover, holy company will act as insulation from

worldly influences which are detrimental to spiritual progress.

 

Unless there is conviction that we have come from God we will not

seek Him and hence saints are role models as they live in God. Just

as one cultivates the company of fellow professionals to achieve

success so also company of saints is spiritually elevating. Tulsidas

reiterates that holy company is the fruition of the spiritual merit

accrued and a definite indication of God's grace. Worldly life

results effortlessly but effort is necessary only to turn to

spiritual life. Initially one may doubt whether the time spent on

spiritual practice will be rewarding but its value can be appreciated

only in holy company.

 

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