The Hindu : Scientific way of living

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 17, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Scientific way of living

CHENNAI, MARCH 17. Every epoch spawns a man of the hour who guides mankind through the minefield of irresolute belief with his own philosophical approach to matters spiritual. Adi Sankara was one; Ramanuja was another while Madhvacharya was a proponent of dualism. However, human personality is not static, but an evolving one. By the instinct of a social being, individuals gradually move away from a collective entity by virtue of their nascent self consciousness, which in no way compromises his individuality or his place in the social scheme of things. Instead there is a growing awareness of inherent discipline not conditioned by the exigencies of external forces. The integration of emerging spiritual nature with his worldly self becomes a challenge for man. However, in the benign order of things, there are no invasive forces at play.

In her discourse, Swamini Gangananda said the Bhagavad Gita advocates a scientific way of living, which is in harmony with individual endeavour. To help man attain his ultimate goal Lord Krishna's discourse is the ideal disciplinary tool. The Gita advocates a choice of three disciplines, the way of knowledge, the way of devotion and the way of action. The essential principle is to yoke the mind to the Lord. There once lived a person who complained to the preceptor that despite sitting in meditation as a daily ritual for 30 years, she was no closer to God. The fault, as the guide pointed out, was not in the system but in the individual's efforts. Just as a student facing an examination in mathematics would fare miserably if he were to end the previous day studying history, so too does one's choice reflect on one's spiritual performance.

There are some others who bring a literal approach to the advocated methodology. The Lord has recommended that one should do one's duty without expecting benefits in return. The Supreme Being, the gravitational force of all entities, is easy to attain. If a person filled with devotional fervour appeals to Him, He will come to the seeker, but to make Him remain forever is another matter. Often men delude themselves into thinking that giving up all worldly duties and living like a recluse in the mountains will gain them what they seek. True renunciation is best exemplified by His manifestation as Lord Krishna wherein living within the codified society he demonstrated the life of perfection by living it. He personified non-attachment in its entirety, coveting neither material nor emotional appendages in magnificent resonance with His true Self.

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