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From: Parthasarati Dileepan (MFPD_at_UTCVM.UTC.EDU)
Date: Fri Nov 03 1995 - 11:33:04 PST
I think many in this group will be familiar with the
column on religion that appears on the last page of
The Hindu. Here is one column in the on-line version
of Hindu at http://www.webpage.com/hindu.
Bound to Him, inseparable like Sri AndaaL says in
Thiruppaavai, "undhannOdu uRavEl namakku ingu ozhikka
ozhiyaadhu" service to Him is the only way to rid
ourself of grief and achieve eternal and
undiminishing happiness not only in the
other world, but here and now as well.
-- Dileepan
==========The Hindu Article====================================
Repose faith in God's grace
Date: 28-10-1995 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c
Cl: Religion
MADRAS, Oct. 28.
The tendency of modern man is to reach out for the
fleeting shadows of worldly attractions. Some have even lost
faith in religious truth and moral values. Some hunger for
transient honour and seek self-defeating enjoyment. They forget
that human reason, unaided and unsupported by scriptures cannot
take them very far. They cannot pull themselves out by their own
efforts. They need God's grace, which is there always but do not
yearn to receive. The sacred works remind them that worldly
knowledge which they acquire will be purposeless as at the end of
their journey in life it does not help them to see God.
Basically, the soul within each man is sinless, free from
grief. But when the influence of delusion distracts it, the soul
errs and makes the person behave in a selfish manner. Until such
a fallen soul unconditionally accepts God's supremacy, this
illusion will continue to extend its stranglehold. Riches,
honour, power and position, blinds man and make him drift away
from God. One who aspires to resist the impact of the worldly
temptations should firmly hold to the feet of God and constantly
remember Him. Then he is sure to find an end to his restlessness
in his voyage.
Due to ignorance men remain engrossed in worldly
activities. They may desire to reach God but may fail. They need
the guidance of an enlightened person who will show them the way
by pointing out various simple steps. Beginning with the process
of remembrance of God, aspirants will have to go through the
stages of retention, meditation, continuous recollection and then
communion with God. They will not then allow themselves to get
drowned in worldliness.
The scriptures serve to instruct men who are inclined to
reach God's kingdom, to hear about God's superhuman deeds when He
was amidst humanity, chant His names and sing His glory. ``When
the Lord is near us and loves us, why not worship Him and obtain
His grace'' saints ask us. God being co-eval with His names, when
they are cited with devotion, He will reveal Himself in the
devotees' hearts, explained Sri B. V. Paramahamsa Maharaj
(Gaudiya Math) in a lecture.
While repeating God's names, there should be total
concentration, purity of the mind and recollection of His
qualities particularly of His compassion towards human beings.
Lord Chaitanya has referred to the four merits of a devotee
humanity, forbearance, desirelessness and offering of due
respects to all Godly souls. Those who thus hold on to God should
display total confidence in the Lord's powers, undertake only
those duties which will gladden Him and feel quite secure that
God will take care of their interests.
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