sumitsehrawat
May 7th, 2005, 01:39 PM
A doubt that often arises in the mind of even a devout person is whether, in view of the enormity of misdeeds committed by him, he can approach the Almighty and whether he will be embraced by Him. Scriptures, however, assure the devotee that even the worst sinner can cross the ocean of grief with the help of the canoe- "Transcendental Knowledge (Jnana)". Even as a blazing fire burns a dried piece of wood into ashes in a trice, the flame of Knowledge can wipe out all his sins. The steps to acquire this Knowledge are: loving homage to God, service at His feet and philosophic inquiry about the Self and the Supreme and their relationship. He who goes through the spiritual discipline carrying out his daily chores in a spirit of dedication, remaining in the world and yet out of it, is sure to experience the Divine Bliss.
While the devotee should ceratinly feel concerned about the void between him and God, as the latter possesses inimitable traits, he should not forget one of these most admirable qualities of the Supreme Being - His limitless compassion and His easy accessibility. The most abandoned sinner can seek His grace because of this mercy termed "Sowlabhyam". What God expects of him is that he should refrain from doing acts which He dislikes and perform only those which will gladden His heart. The two are broadly classified as "Sins" (Papam) and "Moral Good" (Punyam).
If the body can be likened to a chariot, the horses which draw it are the "Senses" (Indriyas). Using the intellect as the reins, the mind (Charioteer) can control its gallop and steer the occupant through a safe journey, taking him to the destination. God has endowed every person with three faculties - thinking, speaking and acting. He can put them to proper use and subdue the mind. He will come to realise the presence of God within himself - seated in the heart in an atomic form.
January 2, 1981
The Hindu
While the devotee should ceratinly feel concerned about the void between him and God, as the latter possesses inimitable traits, he should not forget one of these most admirable qualities of the Supreme Being - His limitless compassion and His easy accessibility. The most abandoned sinner can seek His grace because of this mercy termed "Sowlabhyam". What God expects of him is that he should refrain from doing acts which He dislikes and perform only those which will gladden His heart. The two are broadly classified as "Sins" (Papam) and "Moral Good" (Punyam).
If the body can be likened to a chariot, the horses which draw it are the "Senses" (Indriyas). Using the intellect as the reins, the mind (Charioteer) can control its gallop and steer the occupant through a safe journey, taking him to the destination. God has endowed every person with three faculties - thinking, speaking and acting. He can put them to proper use and subdue the mind. He will come to realise the presence of God within himself - seated in the heart in an atomic form.
January 2, 1981
The Hindu