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Six-fold approach to life

CHENNAI SEPT. 20 . Do we all know what we want in life? Our ancient edicts tell us that human beings should be freed of the cycle of birth and rebirth. The most ubiquitous aspiration in all is to lead a life free from sorrow and distress. To most people, peace of mind is the ultimate aim. Caught in the vortex of fluctuating fortunes human nature is such that it gets affected at various levels. Mind and body both then turn into repositories of agitation. It is universally held that none can escape the trials and ensuing trauma of living on earth.

Do the scriptures then preach what is in effect not possible? On the contrary holy texts such as the Bhagavad Gita are a fount of practical wisdom. Such works do not recommend the impossible but offer a structured path to mastering the transient and attaining spiritual knowledge and wisdom. A wise man does not allow his state of mind to affect his mental poise; regardless of whether the situation is calm, dull or agitated he retains an overwhelming poise. Attaining such a state is the next step in the logical progression towards realising God.

Invoking implicit obedience, scriptures recommend a six-fold approach to life, said Swami Omkarananda (Theni) in a lecture. These were speaking truth, being charitable, avoiding laziness, being steadfast, perseverance and overcoming envy. Closer adherence to scriptural recommendations help a person overcome emotional turbulence and bring a focus to his course of action. Do your duty and leave the rest to God is the simplest and most effective course available to a devotee. When words and deeds are crystal clear then one's thoughts automatically get tempered with ascendant knowledge granting one the wherewithal of leading his daily life.

Action and wisdom are natural corollaries of one another. None can opt for one over the other. As Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, "Man does not attain freedom from action without entering upon action; nor does he reach perfection (culmination of knowledge) merely by ceasing to act." Simply stated, work is its own reward and has a bearing on sins and virtues. There was once an employer who was pleased with a new recruit filled with a steadfast work ethic. When his salary was paid he made no murmur. When the employer cut his wages next time he still did not protest. The master later realised that he had deviated from his path of action while the other man had held true to rules of scriptures. Action is nothing but following the acts of our elders and seers in our daily conduct.

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