Dereliction of duty a sin - From 'The Hindu' Jun 5th.

[Guest guest]

Dereliction of duty a sin

 

CHENNAI, JUNE 5. The entire gamut of scriptural texts

invariably suggest that we should lead a life of detachment. How

is it possible for anyone to remain as a recluse giving

up all activities and expecting some one to take care of him.

Detachment does not indicate a negative concept.

Scriptures explain this by pointing out that everyone of us must carry out

the duties specified but not await eagerly for their

fruits. The Lord Himself, at every stage, commands us ``to do'' our duty

but without any ``attachment'' to the results. To

discharge one's obligations is considered as a righteous step.

 

The Lord has clearly said that dereliction of duty and

other sinful acts are most harmful. ``You have every right to perform

the duty incumbent on you by the socio-religious

injunctions of the scriptures but you have no right over the fruits thereof'',

was His advice to His disciple.

 

Elucidating this statement, Sri Sugunendra Theertha

Swami (of Udupi Puthige Math) cited how a man who committed a

murder was sent to the gallows while the employee who

hanged him got reward. The former committed a prohibited act in

the heat of anger or hatred while the latter obeyed his

superiors in doing his duty. A policeman dying in harness is given a

state funeral while if he dies after retirement, no

special honour is observed. One of the Upanishads says ``I shall die while

doing my duties.'' The Lord Himself destroys the world

at the end of a Yuga but He cannot be called a murderer. He

created the world and caused man to appear giving him an

opportunity to obtain salvation. When the purpose was over, He

did His duty.

 

What is to be remembered by men in family life is not to

get too much attached to their kith and kin. Nor should they

pamper children. All the time, a person should attach

himself to God, undertake to do the duty assigned, and await God's

grace to release him from the worldly pulls.