Miscellaneous - Religion   

Evanescence of life

CHENNAI : It is a wonder that even when the frail quality of human existence is perceived in day-to-day life, human beings tend to forget it easily and get immersed in worldly concerns instead of pursuing the ultimate goal of life. True wisdom is gained when one goes beyond the manifest universe and tries to unravel the cause of life. It is the knowledge of the Supreme Being as the source, sustenance and end of all creation that helps the Jivatma to transcend this life and long for permanent bliss.

In a lecture on Prahlada Stuti, Sri C. L. Ramakrishnan drew attention to Prahlada's profound knowledge (Jnana), dispassion (Vairagya) and Bhakti, when with the Lord's blessings he sang His glory on beholding Him as Narasimha, the unique form He had taken to save him and kill his father. This awe-inspiring form of the Lord is capable of bestowing blessings on those who worship Him.

Prahlada was fortunate to receive instruction from Sage Narada even while in his mother's womb. He was never distracted from his devotion to the Lord and Hiranyakasipu failed to impress on his son the (falsely imagined) perception of his own superiority. Prahlada had the courage to teach the eternal truth and wisdom to the other demon children and remained unafraid even when threatened by his father.

Prahlada's wisdom was such that he was not tempted to ask any boons when the Lord offered to grant him anything he wished. Could there be any greater proof of the ephemeral nature of the world and quality of life than the way his father had lorded over all and lost his entire kingdom, glory and life in a trice? With the magnanimity of a true devotee he prayed for the eternal bliss and happiness for humanity. He pointed out that there is nothing greater in life than prayer to the Lord.

Bhakti is the bhava by which every Jivatma tries to reach the Almighty. Humility is the basis of this Bhava and this arises from one's knowledge of the Lord's auspicious qualities, greatness and His accessibility. Bhakti's strength is sincerity and not birth, scholarship, ostentatious worship or other attainments.

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