The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Devotees, His prime concern

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Friday, Oct 29, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Devotees, His prime concern

CHENNAI, OCT. 29. One of the most reassuring statements for spiritual aspirants is God's affirmation that whenever righteousness suffers and lawlessness flourishes He will manifest to correct the flaw and lead mankind on the path of virtue. Scholars state that there are three reasons for His appearance. First, when sages suffer harassment to their ascetic way of life God intervenes; second He arrives in order to vanquish evil forces and finally for establishing dharma on a firm footing.

In his musical discourse Sri. R. Aramvamudhan, said that the Supreme Being need not make an appearance on the earth merely to overwhelm those wallowing in non-virtuous acts harmful to humanity. To a farmer, cultivating the right crop is the first priority, pulling out weeds is secondary. Similarly, offering protection to hermits and men of austerity is His prime concern. In order to help redress the sufferings of His beloved ministers, He transports Himself in person, verily like an elephant being used to trap another elephant. The Supreme Being has no enemies. Why then did He wage war on Kamsa? It is because the king persecuted His devotees that He viewed the king as His enemy.

The Immanent One is everywhere, but devotees hold that He resides in five places. As the personification of all joy He `resides' with His Consort in Vaikuntam, and devotees can reach His feet by assiduously performing pujas and other rituals. Saint Nammazhwar equated all earthly pleasures as insignificant, holding attaining of Vaikuntam as truly great bliss. The next state is that of Him in the Milky Ocean, a state of repose whose description is sufficient to transport enthralled followers to a state of sheer bliss. The third level of God's presence is His manifestations such as Rama and Krishna. The fourth state is that of `antaryamin' wherein He resides within all. As Sadasiva Brahmendra said, ``One need not look for Ayodhya outside, it is always inside.'' Men of wisdom such as Nammazhwar have successfully visualised the in-dweller in His proportionate form replete with four arms. Finally, aspirants can view Him in the form of idols, saligramas etc. which, like useful flash floods, act as an impetus to treading the divine path.

Sometimes aspirants may succumb to attacks of doubt, especially when plagued by problems, wondering if God indeed will come to their aid. The Benign One will offer protection.

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Devotees, His prime concern