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Sin and expiation

CHENNAI: According to the law of Karma, every Jivatma has to atone for the sins and search for the respective method of expiation to be absolved of these and aim for salvation. Scriptures suggest the means by which a Jivatma can overcome this bondage that has been inhering in it since countless births. Lord Krishna refers to this bondage in the Bhagavad Gita as something that cannot be overcome without God’s grace and that is why the Lord advocates the path of surrender so that the Jivatma is led to salvation in stages.

In a lecture on the Bhagavata Purana, Sri B. Sundarkumar drew attention to Parikshit’s doubt about this self defeating process of Samsara cycle that is a great hurdle to salvation, and Sage Suka’s clarification regarding the lasting solution to humanity whereby one could get absolved of their sins by reposing faith in the efficacy of chanting the Lord’s name.

The sage quotes the Ajamila episode wherein it is seen that the Lord’s name is a sure means to lead one away from the evil ways into the moral path. Ajamila was originally well versed in scriptures, virtuous and pure hearted, displaying exemplary character and conduct. But he gave in to temptation and when thus enslaved to a degrading existence, he reached the end of his life. In accordance to his sinful acts, Yama’s emissaries came to fetch him. Ajamila’s transformation comes about when he realises his mistake and reverts to his virtuous life after the timely intervention of Vishnu’s emissaries who relieve him from the hold of Yama’s messengers. They argued that Ajamila had expiated for his sins when he uttered the name Narayana. Ajamila reverts to his earlier way of life and spends the remaining time of his life meditating on the Lord. An individual faces the results of his actions, good and bad, and enjoys and suffers accordingly.

God takes upon Himself the task of protecting those who utter His name, whatever be the intensity of their sins. Fire burns with the same force when one touches it knowingly or otherwise. A medicine acts on one to cure him when taken in the right dosage. Even sins that accrue from hideous acts can be atoned for by chanting the name of Lord Narayana.

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