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sumitsehrawat
July 6th, 2005, 09:28 AM
One of the glorious aspects of Hinduism is the emphasis on the Doctrine of "Unity in Diversity". No one is compelled to worship a particular deity; each is free to choose a God. Having made his choice, he is asked to repose total confidence in His dispensation and be steadfast in his devotion to Him, whether in adversity or prosperity. It may be that in times of distress, the devotee may be tempted to see boons from elsewhere but this should be avoided. At the same time, the scriptures say God is one and there is no difference between His various manifestations. How then is man to reconcile the two apparently contradictory theories?
It is agreed that a devotee should be attached to his personal God like an ideal wife dependent on her husband alone. But, at the same time, being loyal and affectionate towards him does not mean that she should displease, or disobey, insult or be hostile towards his kith and kin. In fact, her affectionate treatment of his relatives and service to them will gladden her husband. Likewise, a devotee should never denigrate Gods other than those Whom he worships. On the other hand, his personal God will feel pleased if he respects other deities. In the same manner, a person has to adhere strictly to the teachings of his spiritual guide but this does not imply that he should show animosity towards equally great religious leaders.
Thus one who has offered his surrender to a particular God should maintain a balance of judgement and never be antagonistic towards others. In his discourse Sri N. Neelabal referred to the several methods of devotion prescribed in the texts. Each one of them is equally efficacious and a devotee adopting any one of them can experience the presence of God. His devotion should enable him to be taken gradually nearer God and the ultimate in the process is, to yearn for merger with Him.

February 8, 1985
The Hindu