Miscellaneous - Religion   

Seek enduring values

CHENNAI: The Puranas and the Itihasas contain innumerable instances of not merely human beings but also of the celestials and the demons propitiating deities with penance or prayer to fulfil their individual desires (driven by selfish or unselfish ends). Even the ritualistic portion of the Vedas (Karma Kanda) deals with the material nature of life with promise of specific wish fulfilment.

In a discourse on the Bhagavata Purana, Sri B. Sundarkumar drew attention to the point that deities are obliged to grant whatever is sought (even foolish wishes as in many instances) if the person seeking the boon qualifies himself adequately through penance. A bank cashier’s duty is to hand out money on request to anyone (even a confirmed alcoholic or gambler) if he has deposited cash in the bank; he cannot deny it on the ground that the money would be only squandered.

The episode of Vrikasura is a drama enacted by the Lord to show that in the pursuit of power the foolish seek boons that turn to be self-destructive. This demon performed severe penance to invoke Siva and won a queer boon that carried awkward and disturbing consequences. Gaining the power to kill those whose heads he touched, the demon wanted to test its efficacy on Siva himself and Siva had to run away from this imminent threat. Then Vishnu intervened and to rescue Siva from this predicament, He cleverly made the demon place his hand on his own head and thus destroy himself.

It is clear that a sinner such as Vrikasura was killed by his own sinfulness. The underlying message is that there can be no lasting fortune to anyone who opposes the path of dharma. One should be careful to seek what is eternal and not be tempted by the glitter of worldly attractions that are short-lived and ephemeral. Boons sought with these ends in mind are sure to lead to disappointment.

Prahlada and Dhruva, though mere lads, were enlightened and have showed us how to seek enduring things. When the Lord was willing to grant them whatever they wished for, Prahlada prayed that he should remain free of any worldly desires, while Dhruva humbly sought true Bhakti.

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