The Hindu : God's abounding grace

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 07, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

God's abounding grace

CHENNAI NOV.7 . Saints and mystics do not lose any opportunity to underscore the need to orient one's life to the spiritual goal. Even though liberation is the very purpose of human birth it is very easy to forgot it amidst the preoccupations of worldly life. The spiritual pursuit is not the exclusive prerogative of a few people or to be postponed to the end of one's life. Unless a person develops detachment from worldly attractions, he will remain entangled in them. For this it is helpful to remember that nothing related to the world like wealth, family or power is permanent. Even though these are evident to an individual who reflects seriously on life situations it is very easy to be deluded into thinking that they will not affect him.

In a verse of the Tiruvaimozhi, Nammazhwar says it is possible to develop detachment by contemplating on the lotus feet of the Lord. The Azhwar had pointed out the evanescence of power and pelf by saying that even they who ruled over other kings, who touched their feet, and lived the life of royalty amidst pomp and splendour had been pulverised to dust, said Srirangam Srimad Andavan Swamigal in his discourse. If this is the plight of emperors what can one say of lesser mortals? There is a rich commentarial tradition on the Nalayira Divya Prabandham of the Azhwars, especially on the Tiruvaimozhi, by the preceptors, which offers insight into the subtleties of spiritual life.

The commentary on this verse points out the difference in the attitude of God and kings towards their subjects. It is a common sight to see people paying tribute to those in power by prostrating at their feet to enjoy their patronage without realising that they seldom pay heed to their expression of respect while it is not so in the case of the Almighty. The Lord, on the other hand, reciprocates the love and devotion of His devotees. In fact, there is a common adage in the spiritual tradition that if man moves just one step towards God, He embraces His devotee by taking a hundred steps. This is to highlight the Lord's overwhelming grace and concern for His devotees.

When Bharata prostrated at Rama's feet and beseeched him to return to Ayodhya, the Lord did not grant his plea. This has to be seen in the light of the circumstances, which made Him do so. Rama had vowed to live in the forest and He could not go back on His word. But, later He felt bad about it, while worldly people will not have such compunctions.

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