The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Spiritual knowledge

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Thursday, Jun 16, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Spiritual knowledge

CHENNAI: Education is given the pride of place in civilised societies because knowledge empowers by removing the learner's ignorance. Among the different kinds of knowledge, spiritual knowledge is considered the highest because it is the basis of all knowledge. Scriptures declare that the person who gains spiritual knowledge attains the objective of having been born as a human being— liberation from rebirths. Unlike other living beings, which can only work out their Karma, man is given an opportunity by God to strive for his salvation. Other beings are not within the purview of the scriptures and thus follow their natural instincts while man is duty bound to follow the guidelines of the scriptures.

In his discourse, Sri Goda Venketeswara Sastri said Lord Krishna indicated to Arjuna that spiritual knowledge could not be taught to everyone. The significance of the Lord's statement must be appreciated. He does not preclude anyone from spiritual pursuit, as it is the birthright of every individual born as a human being to strive for liberation from bondage, which will put an end to rebirths. He underscores thereby the eagerness and the prerequisites that a spiritual aspirant must have to reach this stage when he can grasp the knowledge of the Self. The teaching in the Bhagavad Gita in this context is elaborated on the same lines as in the Upanishads. There are number of ways for man to stray from the spiritual path either due to his past tendencies (Vasanas) or by getting into bad company. Hence, it requires constant effort to stay attuned to the spiritual goal.

The Lord has assured in the Gita that one who remembers Him during his last moments in life would attain Him. Though this may sound simple, unless one practises it everyday the mind will not be disciplined to dwell on God during the last moments but will be distracted by attachment to kith and kin and the infirmities of the body. The manner in which Lord Krishna graced Bhishma with the vision of His divine form when he lay awaiting his end on a bed of arrows is a standing example of God's assurance to humanity that He would never forsake His devotee who remembers Him. What is the benefit of being blessed with the vision of the Lord? Lord Krishna has clarified that there is no rebirth for such a devotee.

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