Miscellaneous - Religion   

Guidance of saints

CHENNAI : It is necessary to adopt spiritual practices early in life as that will enable the practitioner to orient his life towards the goal of liberation, which is the objective of human birth in the world. It is not possible to expect an individual to appreciate the importance of the spiritual goal in youth but this is the right time to begin the spiritual quest because what is learnt in young age will be etched in one's psyche. Scriptural study involves listening to the exposition of the teachings (Sravana) from a preceptor, committing what is taught to memory (Manana) and reflecting on the teachings (Nidhidhyasana). These signify a gradual evolution and traditionally importance is given to listening to the teachings and learning hymns on God for purpose of prayer.

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said there was no age restriction to begin the spiritual pursuit. Only the guidance given by the preceptor (Guru) will differ according to the age of the person and his capacity to follow what is taught. Repeated practice gives the right proclivity (Samskara) to take it up seriously when the time is ripe for intensive practice.

There are two aspects to human life: engagement with the world and spiritual pursuit. The importance of spiritual quest has to be emphasised repeatedly because the mind can grasp the subtleties of spiritual life only slowly. If a Guru tells an elderly person who has not been exposed to spiritual life to meditate he would have no clue how to go about it. This would be like asking a child who does not know even the numerals to solve complex mathematical problems. But that does not mean that a person has to start from the beginning if he evinces interest late in life. Even if such a person does not understand what is taught he must listen to the teachings attentively as the grace of saints will provide the necessary insight if he is sincere.

The teachings of saints like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa will be practical to enable one to progress without difficulty. He advised his devotees to meditate on any form of God according to one's liking, the rationale behind it being that the mind can easily get concentration.

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