The Hindu : The wealth of meditation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 03, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

The wealth of meditation

CHENNAI NOV. 3. Religion has now become a tool for misguiding people instead of uniting them and revealing what "Truth" means. A source of inspiration for the welfare of mankind, it is leading to negative sentiments and creating mutual hatred. Diversity of culture is indeed a gift. Just as a common thread runs through garland made of a variety of flowers, the common thread of humanity passes through all of us. It is hence necessary to spread the message left by spiritual giants.

Our sages used to pray for the prosperity of the entire universe. "Guide us on the path of enlightenment from ignorance, from the fear of death to immortality and from darkness to light. Let all be happy and free from illness and disease." When a thirsty person goes to a river to drink, the latter does not ask him as to which community or religion he belongs. It quenches everyone's thirst without any discrimination. Even "Nature" presents us lessons. It is the tradition and the rich heritage of India to show regard for the rivers, fauna and flora. The papal tree which people revere takes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. The herbs used in preparing medicines were worshipped, before being packed, to induce feelings of respect while plucking and uprooting the plants. To make this world a better and peaceful place all of us should first change ourselves for the better and learn to love everyone, said Sri Musafir Anand in a lecture pointing out that we should increase the wealth of meditation.

During His rule, Lord Rama taught people to forgive and to show compassion to those who if by chance erred. When He gave asylum to Vibhishana, He was asked what would He do if Ravana were to surrender. "If that be so, I shall give him My kingdom", replied the Lord, displaying His magnanimity. Since the life of a human being is often compared to a journey a person should make all arrangements for his travel. What will he take when he departs from this world and what is the nature of currency he may need at his destination? The wealth of meditation, the his pious deeds he had done and the his prayers with which he had been in touch with God, all gathered here, to God will come in handy then. Once Guru Nanak gave a bag containing some money to a miserly trader asking him to hand it over to him (Guru) in Heaven. "Is this possible", the merchant asked. "If you cannot carry this small bundle with you, why then you are wasting time and energy hoarding and accumulating money, which has to be left behind when you quit the world?" Lord Krishna's words in the Gita remind us to remember Him at all times and simultaneously fight the life's battle too. The opportunity that is given to man to be here is to evolve himself spiritually and reach the Divine Empire. ultimately.

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The wealth of meditation

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