Miscellaneous - Religion   

Human perception

CHENNAI : Human perception about others, events and life in general vary according to one's predilection. This is the reason for differences of opinion among people and hence it is difficult for those who are at variance to appreciate the viewpoint of the other. This is true of not only worldly life but also spiritual life. Interactions with saints throw light on this quirk of human nature. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to be transported into a state of divine ecstasy often during prayer when many of his devotees would be witness to it. Some would feel one with him but each person saw him according to his predilection.

This difference in perception can be seen from the example of how those who were present in the assembly of Hastinapura saw Krishna when He assumed His cosmic form when He went as the envoy of the Pandavas. Many were dazzled by the splendour and magnitude of His superhuman form that they closed their eyes while the righteous like Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and the sages were unable to close their eyes even for a moment. While to them He was the Supreme incarnate, Duryodana and his friends saw Krishna as their enemy.

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said when great saints appeared in the midst of mankind only a few evolved devotees recognised their spiritual stature while the majority did not understand their exalted state. Even Arjuna to whom Lord Krishna taught spiritual knowledge in the form of the Bhagavad Gita looked upon Him only as his dear friend and relative. When Krishna told Him that He had taught this immortal Yoga to Vivasvan (Sun god) and that Vivasvan conveyed it in turn to Manu (his son) and Manu imparted it to his son Ikshvaku, and that it was the same Yoga He was teaching him, Arjuna was perplexed — how Krishna who was with him now could have taught this in the days of yore? Arjuna asked Him how he could believe Him and Krishna then clarified to make him realise that He was Divine, "Arjuna, you and I have passed through many births; I remember them all; you do not remember."

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