The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Scriptural guidelines

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Thursday, Apr 22, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Scriptural guidelines

CHENNAI, APRIL 22 . It has been the practice of preceptors of the different traditions to comment on the three primary scriptural texts of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) namely, the Brahmasutras, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, and also write independent works to expound their teachings in a simple fashion for the benefit of laypeople. In the philosophical system of Advaita, Sankara has written many works and the Sadhana Panchakam is one of them, which is meant for the beginner. It is not enough if one receives education just to earn a livelihood because this will not help one to enjoy peace of mind or realise the goal of liberation from bondage, which is the objective of human birth. Scriptural study empowers a person to lead a balanced life in the world without giving undue emphasis to only materialistic pursuits.

In his discourse, Swami Omkarananda said man aspired for both cessation of sorrows and fulfilment of desires. In the case of sensory pursuits the person is able to enjoy the joy they afford immediately whereas spiritual pursuit does not result in any tangible experience immediately. This does not mean that one can give up practice of Dharma, as it is spiritual experience that gives unalloyed and lasting bliss though not immediately. It is for this reason that there is so much emphasis given to control of the senses in spiritual life as their engagement results in endless desires and unhappiness when they are not fulfilled. Spiritual pursuit on the other hand is difficult to follow but in the end it results in eternal bliss, which puts an end to all sorrows as it liberates the seeker from bondage.

Spiritual life involves adherence to scriptural guidelines governing human life in the world. The basic is the discharge of one's duties in life. These actions cover obligatory rituals, occasional rites and those exercises undertaken for getting specific result, and also that must be done as antidote for one's lapses. One should also abstain from doing prohibited acts so that sins do not accrue. Moreover, one must have conviction about following them diligently and hence it involves considerable effort to sustain the practices throughout life.

It is essential to adopt this way of life right from young age, as only with a mind which is disciplined and senses that are controlled can a person strive for higher goals. Daily prayer with involvement of all the human faculties enables the aspirant to stay attuned to the goal and derive mental strength to overcome the pitfalls on the path.

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