Miscellaneous - Religion   

A state beyond words

CHENNAI: Vedic literature comprises two sections — the Karmakanda on the work of sacrifices made up of the Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva Samhitas and their Brahmanas, and the Jnanakanda on Knowledge, made up of the Aranyakas and the Upanishads.

Inward looking knowledge that probes the cause of creation and the goal of existence is the underlying theme of the Upanishads. The sages of the Upanishads discuss the mystic and philosophical truths related to mysteries like `Who is the knower?', `What makes my mind think?', `Does life have a purpose or is it governed by chance?', etc. They try to solve these mysteries and seek knowledge of a Reality beyond ordinary knowing.

In a lecture, Velukkudi Sri Krishnan pointed out that the truths elucidated in the Upanishads through discussions and arguments have been intuitively grasped and recorded in the hymns of Azhwars.

They perceived with great clarity the sole authority of the Supreme Being and saw the created world as a direct manifestation of His Self. Their mystic outpourings assert His omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence. They were steeped in contemplation of the His auspicious attributes and in His worship. They realised that the only goal to be attained is God since it is He alone who exists. Through fervent devotion they strove to reach His feet and sought nothing else. They were fortunate and blessed to experience His infinite mercy that in turn overflowed as Bhakti.

In the difficult state of Samsara where joy and sorrow are inevitable, where what appears real is always in a state of flux, where one has to confront death, the hymns of the Azhwars affirm the way of Bhakti as a sure promise for liberation.

For it was out of compassion for the Jivatmas that God created the universe and gave them a chance to unite with the Eternal. Not content with this, the Lord is ever ready to take the burden of sorrow from His devotees who seek His refuge. This reassurance of His unfailing protection is the greatest hope for humanity to reach Him.

The highest goal is to know the Brahman, the eternal, infinite and all pervading Spirit. Brahman Jnana is a state beyond words, and one of total bliss that is felt when one is in the presence of eternal bliss.

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

Stories in this Section

CARTOONSCAPE
THE HINDU CROSSWORD 8557
Solution to Puzzle 8556
A state beyond words
dated March 22, 1956: Radhakrishnan's analysis
dated March 22, 1956: Mountbatten in Madras
Weather

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu