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Discharge duties

CHENNAI : The Puranas are replete with examples of sages who realised God by leading a family life thereby highlighting the truth that it is neither necessary nor possible for all to renounce the world to pursue the spiritual goal. For the majority it is not possible to desist from action and follow the path of knowledge, and hence necessary to discharge their duties to attain purity of mind.

Lord Krishna explained the reason for this to Arjuna in the Gita after citing the example of King Janaka who reached perfection through action: "For whatever a great man does, that very thing other men also do; whatever standard he sets up, the generality of men follow the same. There is nothing in all the three worlds for Me to do, nor is there anything worth attaining unattained by Me, yet I continue to work. Should I not engage in action scrupulously at any time, great harm will come to the world; for, Arjuna, men follow My way in all matters."

In his discourse, Sengalipuram Sri B.Damodara Dikshitar said the Almighty's manifestation as Kapila to Sage Kardama and Devahuti was the result of the austerities done by the sage and his virtuous wife for a long period of time. They were no ordinary couple who married for a life of conjugal bliss. Devahuti being the daughter of Swayambhuva Manu could have chosen an emperor as her consort and led a life of luxury. Instead, she who was the very epitome of youth and comeliness had set her heart on Kardama after hearing about his noble character from Sage Narada. Kardama had performed intense penance and been blessed with the vision of the Lord.

The Almighty promised him that He would be born as his son after his marriage to Devahuti and that he would realise Him after he had fulfilled his duties. Even though he had set about his penance for attaining liberation it turned out to be a double blessing.

Devahuti also was a dutiful wife who considered it a privilege to serve Kardama, and she grew old and emaciated discharging her duties, until one day, the sage was moved with her sincerity and commended her service. He also remembered the Lord's boon and felt the time had come to recompense his wife. With his spiritual power he restored their youth and they had nine daughters and a son, Kapila.

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