Miscellaneous - Religion   

Strive for peace

CHENNAI: It is difficult for the mind to grasp the essence of God even though the entire creation is a manifestation of His boundless greatness. The multifaceted attractiveness of the universe is always a source of amazement and wonder to all across all ages and places. It is easy to lose oneself in the joys and material comforts of the world that satisfy the sense organs. But one has to get ahead a bit and pause to think about the creator who is responsible for all this magnificent wealth of creation. Does not the sight of a well-laid garden draw one's attention to the designer behind this elegant plan?

The main thrust of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings is to guard against the temptations of the external world by realising the ephemeral nature of joy and sorrow and embark on a search for the self that will lead to God realisation, said Swami Abiramananda in a lecture. One has to grasp with conviction that the attractions of the worldly objects that are nevertheless a manifestation of God's glory are a mere delusion and not capable of providing eternal joy and only through God realisation can one gain everlasting peace and joy.

It is a wonder that the transient nature of worldly life easily deludes people. Whether it is a Jnani or a learned scientist or a scholar, all get caught in the clutches of Maya. It is as if man were mounted on a machine and propelled through alternating periods of joy and sorrow. Neither scientific advancements nor technical breakthroughs can give any peace of mind. This is the bane of Samsara and man gets roasted in it.

The Katopanishad points out that the sense organs can be used to look both outside and inwards. When one appreciates God's universe through them one is likely to remain attracted to worldly objects that are capable of ephemeral joys alone. But if the same sense organs are directed inward to grasp the divine presence within us, the indwelling soul, one is on the path to reach eternal peace.

By associating with the holy and the pious and by engaging in devotion and worship one can break free from the world and seek the grace of God for salvation.

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

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8769
Solution to Puzzle 8768
Strive for peace
dated November 27, 1956: Railway Minister resigns
dated November 27, 1956: Hungary agrees to talks
dated November 27, 1956: Dalai Lama in Delhi
Weather

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