The Hindu : Purpose of scriptures

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Purpose of scriptures

CHENNAI DEC. 10 . The purpose of scriptural literature is to instruct and elevate. The aim is to help man surmount worldly problems that confront him by hindering his orientation towards higher objectives of life. The rich spiritual heritage can be viewed as resting on two pillars of great eminence, the first being the intellectually stimulating and challenging works, the Vedas, which also embody the Upanishads, dealing with life, its purpose and the means of attaining the ultimate goal - of realising God. The other comprises the more illustrative, easy to comprehend texts, the epics and the Puranas.

While the Vedas are unparalleled in their depth and incisiveness, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are equally edifying in extolling virtuous conduct, in delineating the right path for the spiritual aspirant, and in isolating all that is undesirable in terms of thought, word and action.

In his discourse, Sri Vidya Vachaspathi said the Mahabharata, which covers the widest canvas of life, offers rich dividends in terms of guidance on worldly life and the intercession of divine grace in the case of those who do not swerve from Dharma. The epic takes devotees through an illuminating journey and finely distinguishes the laws of virtue through the characters who are caught in the dilemma of treading the fine line between right and wrong. In doing so, this great epic serves as an operating manual for one's life. Every verse of the epic is instructive and just as how one cannot plumb the ocean's depths, so too can none quantify the extent of benefit to be derived by devotees.

A man's undoing in this world is his attachment to all that is material, transitory and perishable. Even the most learned fail to be guided by the principle that nothing accompanies him from this world except his deeds, on the day of reckoning. The Virata chapter in the Mahabharata drives home the point that God takes care of the virtuous like a mother would her child. Hounded by their enemies at the fag end of their exile, the Pandavas, despite grave temptations refused to swerve from the avowed path of Dharma.

The trials and tribulations faced by them notwithstanding, the abounding grace of the Lord saved them. The brothers were protected just as an unborn child would be in the womb of its mother. Man's schemes and machinations come to nought in the kingdom of the Lord where virtue endures.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News Update

Stories in this Section

The Hindu Crossword 7850

Solution to puzzle 7849

Purpose of scriptures

dated December 10,1953: Halliday to Paint Nehru's Portrait

dated December 10,1953: Frequent Bermuda Talks Suggested

dated December 10,1953: Pak. Citizens Oppose

Weather