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Fundamental truths religion

CHENNAI: Though success, power, fame, name, skills, etc., are considered invaluable assets because they give tremendous confidence to face life’s challenges, there are times when those endowed with some or all of these lose confidence and become panicky for some reason or other. This was the case with the great warrior Arjuna who had fought successfully against Siva, Indra and other celestials. But in the battlefield when on the brink of war he hesitated to take up arms. The very thought of opposing the venerable Bhishma, Drona and others and fighting his own kith and kin was the cause of this hesitation.

Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal pointed out in a discourse that Arjuna’s fear at this juncture provided an opportunity for Lord Krishna to expound the highest philosophy of life that is the essence of the Vedas and the Upanishads and till date continues to inspire and enlighten mankind. Beginning with the basic knowledge pertaining to each of our lives, the Lord stressed the need to identify the difference between the body and the soul, the temporary and the permanent, the perishable and the imperishable. The Lord elaborated on the nature and essence of the world, the continuing births that each soul takes based on the kind of karma it has to its credit, and the need to strive for salvation.

Samsara implies the presence of joy and sorrow and one has to rise above it to be released from this bondage. Self realisation depends on the vision of the Atma that is immortal. The veil of Maya prevents recognition of this truth and this can be torn apart when one renounces the sense of I and Mine and understands the truth of the Supreme Being.

The way to transcend this web is to fix one’s mind in God and remain devoted to Him at all times. The Lord’s promise of succour to all those who seek surrender at His feet unconditionally is the greatest hope for mankind. The Lord takes the responsibility of such Jivatmas and slowly leads them towards the final salvation. A clear perception of this truth helps one to focus on the permanent and the everlasting and let go the fleeting and the temporary.

Arjuna’s doubts were cleared and he got ready for the battle.

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