The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Greatness of devotion

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Monday, Aug 02, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Greatness of devotion

CHENNAI, AUG.2 . The scriptures prescribe various means to realise God to suit the level of the spiritual aspirants and the nature of the different ages because Dharma is said to become weaker during the course of time making it difficult to follow stringent austerities. At the end of the Dwapara Yuga the Lord Himself is said to have manifested as Vyasa to compile the Vedas, which are the primary scriptures, into four so that they could be mastered separately. He also composed the Puranas for the benefit of the laity and the Mahabharata, which is glorified as the fifth Veda because of the encyclopaedic range of subjects dealt with in it.

In his discourse, Sengalipuram Sri Rama Dikshitar said even after composing such a wide range of scriptural works Veda Vyasa did not get peace of mind and a sense of despondency overcame him with the feeling that he had somehow failed to achieve the objective of his life. As though by Providence the celestial sage Narada appeared before him when he was depressed. Glad of the opportunity Vyasa expressed his mind to him, "Even though I have fully realised through the practice of Yoga and the observance of sacred vows both the supreme Brahman (the Absolute) and the knowledge of the Vedas, point out to me my great deficiency." Narada told him that he had failed to sing adequately the stainless glory of the Lord as much as he had dealt with the objects of human pursuits such as Dharma.

Narada told Vyasa that he should with a concentrated mind recall the divine sports of the Lord with emphasis on the glory of devotion to Him exclusively in a work with the intention of liberation of the entire humanity. He pointed out that the wise sages had declared that the abiding purpose of man's austere penance, sacred knowledge, sacrificial performances, recitation of the Vedas with correct intonation, enlightenment and charity were meant to develop devotion and recount the virtues of the Lord. He then narrated how he in his previous birth was born of a maidservant who served some holy men. He was fortunate to serve some wandering ascetics who stayed in their abode during the rainy season even as a child and in their company devotion slowly took root in his heart listening to the glory of the Almighty, which they narrated in the form of stories. This encounter left an indelible mark on his mind and his devotion grew in leaps and bounds till he realised God. Vyasa after hearing this composed the Bhagavata Purana.

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