Miscellaneous - Religion   

Path of liberation

CHENNAI: Scriptures suggest ways and means of coping with the upheavals of life that can easily weaken the mental strength of an individual. In the Mahabharata Dhritarashtra sought instruction of higher truths from Vidura. When he desired to know the significance of death, Vidura suggested that he seek the knowledge from the wise Sage Sanatsujata. To his query about the nature of death of which men fear most, the Sage stated that “some say death can be overcome by certain deeds, and some others opine that there is no death. There is truth in both these views. But in the opinion of the learned, Death results from ignorance while Knowledge confers immortality.” The Sage added that the demons were subject to defeat and death due to ignorance while the celestials attained the immortal status through Knowledge.

Adi Sankara quotes this incident in the Vivekachudamani to impress on human beings the need to concentrate on the Supreme Brahman at all times with sincerity, pointed out Sri P. M. Vijayaraghava Sastrigal in a lecture. A lack of concentration about the purpose of life and the pursuit of the goal of liberation is a lapse that is tantamount to death.

But it is difficult to meditate on the Supreme Brahman as formless and attributeless and hence devotion is recommended as a means for attaining spiritual enlightenment. Scriptures advise the path of worship to the Supreme Brahman as a personal God who bestows grace to initiate the Jivatmas into the spiritual path. Upasana or worship is the basis of the doctrine of Bhakti or devotion.

Prahlada speaks of the nine forms of devotional discipline in the Bhagavata Purana —“Sravanam (hearing the narratives of the Lord), Kirtanam (chanting His name), Smaranam (remembering Him at all times), Padasevanam (serving Him), Archanam (worshipping Him), Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), Dasyam (practising the role of His servant), Sakyam (looking on Him as a friend) and Atmanivedanam ( surrendering to Him totally)” — which man has to practise in a spirit of dedication to the Lord. This helps to keep one’s mind alert to the purpose of one’s life and get liberated from the ocean of Samsara.

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