Miscellaneous - Religion   

Path to liberation

CHENNAI: : Scriptures stress the importance of chanting the names of God in Kali Yuga as a sure path to salvation, since it is conducive to the cleansing of one's mind. There is no need for any inhibition, embarrassment or fear when singing the name of the Lord. Sri Ramakrishna felt that one should be immersed in thoughts of God and get "drunk" with Hari Nama, said Swami Jnanadananda in a discourse, emphasising the need for deep meditation and concentration.

But while extolling the power of the Lord's name, the oft-quoted reference to Ajamila might make it appear that chanting God's name is a very easy path to liberation. Ajamila was freed of the consequences of his sinful acts because he uttered the name "Narayana" on his deathbed though he was actually calling his son by that name, and not the Lord Himself. In truth, it was Ajamila's good deeds and conduct in the previous births as well that helped him attain a blissful state.

Incessant chanting of divine names should be done with genuine love and devotion to God, and with the honest commitment to the vow that one will refrain from the sinful path that cannot lead one to God.

While it is believed that by bathing in the waters of the Ganges, sins are washed away, it is also imperative that one does not commit fresh sins. Just as one cannot escape the effects of a scorpion sting by merely chanting a mantra, what is necessary is the desire to follow the rightful path while chanting God's name.

One has to pray sincerely to God for help in overcoming the desire to commit sins, an urge that comes easily to all of us, primarily with the longing for the material objects of the world. In such a state we lack the spark of longing to be with God, and are similar to wet matchsticks that do not ignite. What is needed is true devotion to the Lord.

Has not Lord Krishna repeatedly confirmed that this world is impermanent, and is full of sorrows and that one should earnestly seek the path to liberation? The desire for permanent bliss can be obtained only through the honest practice of renunciation of the worldly gains, and be focussed on the Absolute.

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