Miscellaneous - Religion   

Inscrutable sway

CHENNAI: When great people lose their reasoning faculty and are driven to take wrong decisions that bring misery and unhappiness, it only illustrates the role of destiny and the power of fate over the lives of human beings.

No one can endeavour to remain outside the influence of fate though one may sense warning signals of some impending disaster. The manner in which Lord Rama reacted to the golden deer that had caught Sita's fancy proves beyond doubt that even the Supreme Being incarnate chooses to be bound by the power of fate, said Sri K. Srinivasan in a lecture.

When Sita said she saw a golden deer, the Lord did not for a moment think whether such a golden deer is at all possible. Maricha wore the figure of a deer as he was well trained in magic guile. No deer was ever decked with such sheen and jewels. Sita ignored Lakshmana's warning when he told Lord Rama that such an amazing animal with gemlike dapples is non-existent in the world.

In the Mahabhrata, Yudhishtira staked all his four brothers and his queen in a dice game. One has to bow down to the tide of inevitable events when the time is unfavourable.

The Siva Gita contains the advice of Lord Siva to Lord Rama when the latter sought Lord Siva's guidance to help Him overcome the tight spot in His life when He had to fight the unassailable Ravana.

Describing the qualities of a foe, Lord Siva says that any foe will be strong. To get a foe who is easily won depends on one's luck. Ravana, though well versed in Dharma, slipped from it by abducting Sita. This serious sin was the effect of misfortune. He was totally oblivious to the adharma of the deed and the time for his fall was responsible for this. At such times what is wrong appears as right in one's perception, and this perspective leads to making the wrong choice.

The role of destiny in the lives of people is always hidden and beyond the confines of rational thought and countless Jivatmas through many births have experienced the fluctuations in fortune.

Mankind is advised to meditate on the Supreme Being, and learn to conquer the sense of I and Mine while developing compassion to all created beings who manifest Him. Offering devotion to the Lord can help to overcome misfortunes.

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

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8658
Solution to Puzzle 8657
Inscrutable sway
dated July 18, 1956: Federation of World
dated July 18, 1956: Pakistan claim refuted
dated July 18, 1956: "Mahatma's daughter"
Weather

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