Miscellaneous - Religion   

Eschew immorality

CHENNAI : It is necessary for a spiritual aspirant to know the contours of Adharma (unrighteousness) as much as he has to master the nuances of Dharma (righteousness). While the intricacies of Dharma have to be understood in order to follow them, the subtleties of unrighteousness must be also grasped well so that a sincere seeker of liberation can scrupulously avoid them. The Puranas highlight that Dharma is on the wane in the Kali yuga but the advantage of this age is such that even the relatively easy devotional practices of chanting the Divine names, and listening to and singing His glory are capable of leading to realisation.

In his discourse, Sri B. Sundar Kumar said the Bhagavata Purana related how the family of Adharma starting flourishing in the world. The sons of the creator, Brahma— Sanaka and his three brothers Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara, and Narada, Ribhu, Hamsa, Aruni and Yati— did not become householders as they were wedded to a life of celibacy. Mrisha, the female spirit presiding over falsehood, who was the wife of Adharma, another son of Brahma, gave birth to Dambha and Maya (the spirits presiding over hypocrisy and deceit respectively).

Nirriti (the demon of the southwest direction) adopted them. Their children were the spirits controlling Lobha (greed) and Nikriti (wickedness). From the latter were born the spirits Krodha (anger) and Himsa (violence) from whom again sprung Kali (strife) and his sister Durukti (abusive speech). Kali on his part begot Bhaya (fear) and Mrityu (death) and their children were Niraya (hell) and Yatana (tortures of hell).

Even a perusal of the genealogy of Adharma is terrifying for these spirits personify all that make worldly life miserable, and finally they are responsible for the dissolution of the universe. These presiding spirits are thus powerful in this age and influence those who are vulnerable to them. Hence those who want to tread the path of Dharma must carefully eschew them by adhering to virtues. The Purana notes that listening to this genealogy sanctifies the listener by enabling his mind to remain steadfast to righteous values.

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

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8731
Solution to Puzzle 8730
Eschew immorality
dated October 13, 1956: Attlee's tribute to India
dated October 13, 1956: Indian team for first Test
Weather

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