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Impermanence of life

CHENNAI: Prahlada's devotion to the Supreme Being is deep rooted. Though only a mere child, it is so strong that he is not drawn towards anything except the Lord. He is a truly realised soul with exemplary conduct. In spite of being severely punished by his own father for proclaiming Lord Narayana as the Supreme Being, not only does he not flinch from his position, but has the courage of his conviction to spread the glory of the Lord among the Asura children, pointed out Sri N. Veezhinathan in his discourse.

In Prahlada's teaching is explicit the essential nature of Bhagavada Dharma that is the sure path to God realisation, and the profound truths of worldly existence. Emphasising the essence of Vishnu Bhakti, Prahlada speaks of the fleeting nature of worldly life. The temptations of this life blind us to this truth, though it is common knowledge that whoever is born has to die.

It is sheer ignorance to think that just because hunger and thirst get pacified with food and water, and bodily ailments get cured by medicines, these are vital to our life. One should realise that the Atma is distinct from the body, and that the stages of life pertain to the body and do not affect the Atma.

Immediately after birth, childhood, youth and old age follow in quick succession. It is important to realise that it is the Atma (and not the body) that needs to be liberated, since the cycle of birth and death continues until one gets liberated. It would be foolishness to postpone this act of caring for the Atma to a later stage in one's life.

With the firm faith that only Lord Narayana can guide us away from this worldly cycle that is filled with sorrow, and offer final liberation for the Atma, one should constantly seek His help. By chanting His name, all sins are washed away. Since He is all pervading, it is necessary that one shows kindness to one and all, and refrains from harbouring hatred that only causes misfortune.

This is the best worship that one can offer to the Lord. In this path, the fruit of Moksha is obtained unsolicited, like mangoes that a person gets unexpectedly, when he reaches a tree with ripe fruits. When it is possible to attain the all-powerful Lord, the ultimate goal, in this manner, where is the need to go after less worthy goals?

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