The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Duty well done leads to God awareness

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Tuesday, Feb 08, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Duty well done leads to God awareness

CHENNAI, FEB. 8 . One of the essential tools to success is inherent discipline. Without the correct frame of mind the effort and energy invested in any pursuit will be nothing more than an exercise in futility. This is never more true than of spiritual pursuit. Sustained dedication to one's chosen path is of prime importance in order to attain one's goal. One may be tempted to veer off largely due to external comparisons with fellow travellers in one's spiritual journey. However, individual endeavour alone is hailed as productive by scholars.

Every person should do his duty as perfectly as he can in this world, said Swami Gnanananda Sarasvati in her address. It may be debated that one person may be extremely efficient at his job, while another person may not be so. His work output will be smaller. Or he may be less successful. However, in the eyes of God all that is irrelevant. It is the attitude, the motive that counts. Having given one's best, a person can safely leave the rest to God. Scriptures abound with instances where such singular devotion to duty and faith in the Supreme by ordinary devotees have resulted in divine benediction. It will be found that this concept of duty (which varies from person to person) strengthens the physical and mental state of adherents.

Spiritual strength is different from physical prowess which can be obtained without mental exertions, and this great power can be obtained only by living a good, clean inner life. It is said that whoever does his nishkamya karma correctly will climb the ladder to God. Nishkamya means doing duty without expecting any reward, without any ulterior motive of transient benefits. Given that all human beings are prey to anger, harbour desires, indulge in dreams and ambitions, such a step will not be easy to follow. The lives of great saints, chronicling the challenges faced by them, serve as examples worthy of emulation. When one's duty is well done, it will be seen that one emerges from the tunnel of darkness into the light of God awareness. It is only the spiritually lazy who will demand to be shown the existence of God as though He were a policing entity. Sincere seekers will find Him in every activity of theirs undertaken with detachment. A worldly person may be adept at manipulating situations and people to suit his earthly purposes, but even he cannot hope to deceive God since it is the merits of one's own actions and motives that are reckoned with in His kingdom.

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