Instruction by Example- Nice one on AndAL [from The Hindu]

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Instruction by example

http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/01/stories/2006080101750700.htm

 

 

 

CHENNAI: The truth of incarnation is that the Supreme

Being, out of His infinite mercy, chooses to descend

from His abode of permanent bliss in Vaikunta to the

earth and live as one among the beings of this world

(as a fish, tortoise, boar or human being in the

different yugas for specific purposes) to enlighten

and enable the Jivatma to seek release from the cycle

of births. In Kali Yuga it is stated that surrendering

oneself to the Lord (Saranagati), worshipping His feet

(Padasevanam) and singing His glory (Namasankirtanam)

are the means that the Jivatma can adopt to attain

liberation.

 

In the matter of showing compassion, the Lord's

consorts are a cut above, and the greatness and

extraordinary compassion of Bhu Devi (Divine Mother

Earth) is explicit when from Her exalted status She

descended as Andal to instruct the Jivatmas in the

precise manner and exact method of practice (Sadhana)

pertaining to these means, said Sri K. B. Devarajan in

a discourse. She exemplifies the Bhavas of a disciple,

devotee and servant of the Lord that are essential in

this pursuit.

 

Andal's hymns — Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi —

are full of Bhakti Rasa and the practice of devotion

in her life reveals the extraordinary joy of God

experience that is possible for the Jivatma longing

for Him.

 

In the first place, one should know clearly what the

goal is and whether the path to the goal is right and

Andal has shown that the Lord is the goal and that He

is the path as well. Jnana is attained with the

realisation that life on earth is a fleeting one and

every experience, be it pleasant or sorrowful, is only

temporary, and union with the Lord is the only refuge

for all, and that He alone is capable of bestowing

everlasting bliss.

 

The significance of the inherent connection of the

Jivatma with the Lord that continues through all

births is highlighted.

 

Andal understands that He alone is the master to be

served and attained and dedicates everything to Him in

the spirit of total surrender, while longing to be

steeped in His service (Kainkarya).

 

It is the Bhava or spirit of worship that matters most

and when one accepts one's own helplessness, this

devotion increases, impelling one to offer everything

to Him. This longing for the Lord is symbolic of the

quest of the human soul.