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Easy spiritual practice

CHENNAI : The scriptures postulate that the rationale of the descents of the Supreme Being in the world is to make Himself accessible to humanity as He is beyond the ken of human perception and understanding. Even though saints reiterate that it is the Lord's compassion for suffering mankind that makes Him take birth in the world to redeem the suffering from bondage, another reason for His manifestations is to reinstate Dharma whenever there is threat to it.

In his discourse Sengalipuram Sri B. Damodara Dikshitar said, as it was not possible to outline the contours of Dharma in a simple way, the Puranas and the epics, which describe the incarnations of the Lord help in understanding its nuances. Listening to the narration of these texts (Sravana) is commended as an easy and effective spiritual practice, which purifies the mind of its latent tendencies that impede spiritual progress. This practice further enables the individual to remain in the company of the devout (Satsangh), which by itself is another catalyst for spiritual evolution because it reins in the mind from worldly distractions.

The nature of this Kali age is such that it impedes spiritual pursuit through bad association, which comes effortlessly in this world. There are several Puranas embodying the glory and deeds of the Almighty in His incarnations in the three previous Yugas and they are meant for Sravana. Listening to the narration of the Puranas and the epics further helps the listener to come to terms with the vicissitudes of life by identifying with characters like Rama and Yudhishthira.

Both were the personification of Dharma but had to face troubles throughout their lives. Rama was the Lord incarnate and even He underwent the same trials and tribulations that human beings face in their lives. This also begs the question as to why some sail through life without setbacks while others suffer. Birth in this world is the result of Karma accumulated in previous lives and the consequence of good and sinful deeds is joy and sorrow respectively. The law of Karma is unfailing and hence no one can escape from his Karma.

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