The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Practical manual

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Friday, Mar 11, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Practical manual

CHENNAI, MARCH 11 . The popular scriptural text, the Bhagavad Gita bestows spiritual merit when chanted but it is also meant for providing guidance for man in daily life. When the Gita is studied with this practical approach it can solve whatever problem one faces in life. As the problems faced by the modern man is due to disharmony this scripture enables the seeker to restore harmony, as no problem can be resolved without addressing the root cause. The reason for disharmony is the frustration arising out of unfulfilled desires. One of the ways in which it is expressed is hatred towards those who are successful assuming out of ignorance that they are the cause of one's unhappiness. By reading the Gita the person learns to hate others less by understanding that one's Karma is the cause of one's joys and sorrows.

In her lecture, Srimathi Prema Pandurang said the modern man did not have time for God occupied as he was in pursuing his short-term goals necessary for leading a comfortable life in the world. One must remember that God gives us 24 pearls (hours) at midnight everyday and we cast them away in frivolous pursuits without making efforts towards realising the long-term objective of human life (liberation). It is possible to reorient our life towards this end. The stress man faces is due to the ego that he is managing his life. On the other hand if he understands that he is only a puppet in God's hands he will become a perfect instrument in His hands and be successful, and attain perfection in whatever he does. The Gita enables the devotee to realise that by surrendering the ego man can enable God to take charge of his life.

Man today does not know that he can communicate with God. Prayer is not just going to temples, chanting hymns and the scriptures. It is constantly remembering Him in everything one does — total submission to Him. The Gita also teaches how to overcome pride and develop humility. There was a gradual progression in Arjuna's outlook from the "I" at the outset to "Thou" after listening to the Gita. A problem a person faces during his spiritual quest is remembering his sinful past and becoming diffident that there is no redemption for him. An Azhwar reiterates that no individual can commit so many sins that God cannot condone. This is a pointer to the Lord's infinite mercy and is a harbinger of hope to erring humanity.

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