Miscellaneous - Religion   

Eternal principles

CHENNAI: : The three eternal verities according to Hinduism are truth (Satyam), rhythm (Rta) and moral order (Dharma). Hence the Vedic tradition is known as Sanatana Dharma. Without a rhythm in the cosmos there will be stagnation and hence the creation of the universe and its sustenance necessitate dissolution. This is an eternal cycle and it is Dharma that sustains this process. So Dharma is not just an ethical principle but the very essence of life and functioning of the universe. Every being and object has its Dharma. For instance, a fish swims, as the Dharma of the fish is to swim. So also, righteousness should flow naturally in man's veins. The Supreme Being is the protector of Dharma, and as He is eternal, only He is capable of guarding it.

In his discourse, Swami Bodhamayananda said protection of Dharma was the secret of the Almighty's descents in the world. Whenever there is moral degeneration, the Lord incarnates according to the requirements of that age to set it right. He reveals the Veda (Sruti), which is everlasting. Sages, like Parasara and Manu, have written Dharmasastras on the basis of the Vedas to suit the need of this Yuga and these are the Smriti texts. Smriti texts may disappear and become redundant after a period of time but the Vedas will remain and be relevant always. The Lord protects them and reveals them at the time of creation.

The Bhagavata Purana states that Lord Narayana Himself meditates on the truth at Badarikashrama. This is to highlight that it is the Supreme One who sustains the cosmic order. During the teaching of the Gita, Lord Krishna revealed this truth to Arjuna by enabling him to envision His cosmic form. Beholding it Arjuna exclaimed, "I see You without beginning, middle or end, possessing unlimited prowess and endowed with numberless arms, having the moon and the sun for Your eyes, and blazing fire for Your mouth, and dazzling this universe by Your radiance." The all-pervasiveness of the Lord is reiterated next and also His infinite nature.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword No. 8286
Solution to Puzzle 8285
Eternal principles
dated May 6, : Marriage Bill passed
dated May 6, : Whipping to go
Weather

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu