God is responsible for creation, destruction

The spiritual values and traditions of Hinduism which are valid even today require to be explained correctly to youngsters who are eager to uphold the Law of Virtue. They raise many doubts which need to be answered with clarity. There are no proper replies except for general statements which say that the scriptures direct them to do certain things.

Some of the common queries are: Where is God? Why should we worship God and how will prayers help us? Will God give what one wants, say money or a pass in the examination? Why should there be so many Gods and if one is faithful to a particular deity, will not the other Gods get angry?

Some say that devotees can obtain anything from God but one sees a neighbour who is a rogue enjoying all comforts whereas a person who works hard is not rewarded; a student who reads well finds his number missing in the result sheet while another who is not known to be good in studies gets the first rank; a girl is charming and qualified but does not get a suitable bridegroom;

How can a body which is burnt or buried (on death) get back another life? How can past actions be accountable for one's present activities? What is the purpose of the ceremony for the dead? Swami Ramakrishna had a vision of God while those surrounding him experienced nothing; how are the messages left by sages who lived years ago be valid now? All these are the imagination of a few; why should we follow them blindly?

Swami Paramananda Bharathi in a lecture said proof about God's existence is available and facts relating to doubts can be rendered properly. A book placed on the table cannot move to another spot unless handled by an external agency. Likewise, human activities need such a force. There are several agencies, each entrusted with a function like fire, wind and earth (called elements). But there must be someone, like the Headmaster of a school assigning work to teachers, to give them the directions. Prayers are offered to express men's gratitude for what has been granted to them. Gods are controllers but there is one Supreme Being having over- all control. To the question on the multiplicity of Gods, the doubting persons should be asked: "What is wrong?" Any one of the Gods may be chosen and revered. Other Gods will not feel angry at this selection.
                                                                          February 12, 1993

Observe religious rules with zeal

"Let me be dumb so that I will have no occasion to Use bad words or speak ill of others or abuse God and pious people; let me be blind so that I need not look with base thoughts at women let me be deaf so as to remain absolutely unconcerned when some people condemn God or spread atheistic ideas; let my legs take me to places where realised men stay; let my eyes feast on God's images and my power of speech be of some value to praise God. My mind should not yield to the influence of wicked forces like ego, passion, anger and malice and I should ever be a man of integrity and character."

These represent the poignant feelings of a devout devotee who, after being directly accosted by God in human form, was asked to go back to the position which he had held. " Am I a sinner who had indulged in anti-God activities or harboured vicious ideas or acted against codes of pious conduct", he begged Sri Krishna. "I thought of escaping from the impact of this ocean of transmigration (family life) but you are now forcing me to sink deeper into the sea by placing a stone on my head".

Scriptures say that those who reach God's abode will stay there permanently, never to return to this world of sorrow. The sentiments expressed above were those of Akrura, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. He was assigned the job of fetching Sri Krishna by Kamsa so that He could be slayed somehow. After meeting Sri Krishna who agreed to accompany t him, It was suggested that he should go back to his Job. Hence his regret to be separated from God-incarnate. 

In his discourse, the Junior Swami of Admar Math, Sri Vishwapriya Thirtha, said that on finding Krishna in His village, Akrura was extremely delighted at the opportunity givens to him to meet Him and take Him to Kamsa's palace. Krishna questioned him whether he was obeying the scriptural commands properly-like performing worship, carrying out the rites and visiting pilgrim centres. Akrura's replies showed how he was observing the religious rules with zeal.

The idea of taking bath in holy rivers was to get rid of impurities in the mind. That the daily religious obligations ought to be observed even If extraneous circumstance interfered with a person was demonstrated by Akrura doing the minimal rites.
                                                                          May 10, 1993

Religion elevates man, promotes camaraderie

Man is endowed with the thinking faculty but his life cannot be purposeful without a spiritual background. Taking food, seeking shelter and sleeping are common to a man and an animal, but the latter cannot understand the significance of spiritual values. That is why man, who can decide issues rationally, is called the crown of all creations. His thoughts, words and deeds should be identical.

Cultivation of a religious outlook alone will help him face and solve problems. He is provided with plenty of opportunities and the choicest gifts in life, enabling him to develop as an outstanding personality. The role of religion is to lift him to a higher plane and take him to the realm of 'reality'. From time immemorial, religion has enabled him to uphold traditional values and follow a civilised path. A society which loses its religion will gradually degenerate into a state where culture will also find no place.

Of late, there has been a feeling among some persons that religious practices need not be adhered to and that "outmoded and outdated beliefs" and customs have no relevance now. But spiritual life and adherence to religion will keep man off the track of fanaticism. Religion brings enlightenment, unites men of different views, develops a sense of camaraderie and makes him think and act, said Swami Yati Maharaj, Head of the Gaudiya Math.

Modern India suffers because it is losing its cultural moorings. When a country's political development is guided by spiritual traditions, there will be progress on the proper course. Religion should form part of man's life and the heads of religious institutions, who have inherited a rich legacy, should act as guides but they should not seek political help. They are forever servants of God, dedicating themselves to the welfare of the people.

A king of Orissa was a staunch devotee of Sri Chaitanya. Once another devotee misappropriated treasury funds and was awarded death sentence. Other devotees approached Sri Chaitanya, urging him to request the king to save the man, as they were certain that the ruler would heed any suggestion from him. But Chaitanya left the capital without saying anything as his interference would mean seeking a favour, which he did not want. Anyone who has developed devotion to God and takes to a Divine life should attach himself only to Him and should not beg mortals.
                                                                          July 8, 1993

Hinduism is universal in character

The edifice of Hinduism has been founded, erected and fostered by sages, saints and illustrious spiritual guides. Hence the customs, usages and traditions which are being continued have eternal validity and they can be scientifically explained. The scriptures are not myths as some say.

Every act has a deep significance. Unfortunately, the cultural history of Hindus has been distorted by some 'vested' interests who have made a 'criminal' approach towards this Faith. This ancient religion is universal in character and desires that the entire humanity should be one. To prove this, it can be pointed out how Hinduism has never believed in conquering other countries or forcing members of other Faiths to join its fold. A Hindu can take legitimate pride in his cultural and religious background and in preserving its heritage.

Some people brand Hindus as fanatics not aware of the glorious traditions they have imbibed. Facts have been twisted in respect of various rites and rituals. It is misrepresented that in the sacrifices conducted, animals were killed. This is far from truth. The Sanskrit lexicons and dictionaries sometimes give various meanings for the same word. Hence proper interpretation with reference to the particular context is necessary. Thus instead of criticising Lord Rama as having partaken meat, it can be seen that He consumed the root of a tuber which, after due processing appeared like flesh.

Swami Sathyananda Saraswathi (Ramadasa Ashram) in a lecture referred to the wisdom of the ancient in that they had possessed light types of aeroplanes, including the familiar Pushpaka Vimana. Different varieties of metals were used in their manufacture. The Vedic Mathematics were being adopted to solve problems. But modern students were being taught distorted versions. Even Swami Vivekananda as a boy was told that their fathers were fools, grandfathers lunatics and Hindu scriptures were false. On the other hand, the discussion between Rama and Vasishta brings out valuable information on human behaviour. Scriptures spell out the significance of circumambulation (clockwise) in temples and why the bride always sits on the left side. The fact that Rama befriended the hunterchieftain Guha and an aged woman Sabari would show that there was no discrimination and Hindu Religion is not sectarian.
                                                                          October 21, 1993

Religious tolerance unique to Hinduism

India has cradled several systems of philosophy. The tenets of all religions are tolerated, and even a man who denigrates God is allowed to have his say. Among the believers of God, there is plenty of scope to pursue paths of their choice. Siva, Vishnu, Muruga and other forms are worshipped and different shades of opinion prevail and this is the great spiritual heritage of this country. When confusion prevailed among people on account of the misrepresentation of the scriptures, Sankara gave hopes of revival of the Vedic thoughts but his teachings could reach only a few at the elitist level because of the then circumstances. Ramanuja appeared on the Indian scene about ten centuries ago and taught the simple philosophy of devotion to God. He denounced religious practices on the basis of caste and embraced all sections into his fold. He introduced reforms in temple administration and advocated the path of surrender to reach God.

"There is no difference between man and man in the midst of the Divine, but all the distinctions as high and low are due to His will; in this world of diversity and multiplicity, man should develop his mind to see oneness in all human beings and this can be achieved only by love of the heart and compassion to others," was one of his messages. God's mercy, grace and love are there for all beings, To obtain His grace, one should approach Him through a spiritual teacher Temples are treasures left by our forbears where His grace can descend His religion also lays a great deal of emphasis on humanistic ethics Among the three means of reaching God, devotion is the principal one, action and knowledge its auxiliaries

Ramanuja's philosophy explains action as that performed disinterestedly, without aiming at rewards Knowledge consists in the correct understanding of the difference between the soul and the body A man who follows the path of knowledge is firmly established within himself and is not disturbed by outward happenings Devotion is saturated with love and "surrender" is 'total giving' to the Lord The act of completely flinging oneself on God's compassion is called 'Surrender' or Prapatti.

Referring to some of the important events in Ramanuja's life, SwamiAsntoshananda in a lecture said, even while studying under an illustrious master, he could not agree with some of the latter's interpretations of Vedic passages His tender feelings to humanity was so extreme that he taught the masses, the significance of a powerful 'Mantra' normally kept secret.
May 5, 1995

Lead a life centred on God

Many people are bewildered why there is so much of suffering in the world The reply to them is that men in general, have become highly selfish and their interests are in material gains only The result is that they have forgotten about the existence of a superior power. There is nothing wrong in remaining a householder but one should discharge all obligations as service to God. Birth as a human being is a rare privilege conferred by God. Only man can think of the Almighty's compassion and take steps to reach His kingdom. Man's life is a journey towards this goal.

A person who proposes to travel abroad has to go through several formalities. Should he not adopt similar measures for his spiritual journey? For this, he should seek the guidance of a religious leader and repose faith in him. Some describe this world as hell because they face failures and disappointments. But they can convert it into a heaven by turning their attention to God and leading a spiritual life. If there is no instant success, God should never be blamed.

Man 's efforts should be directed towards achieving four aims. He should live in conformity with the Divine Law. He should earn wealth and enjoy worldly pleasures through legitimate means and without transgressing the Law of Righteousness. The fourth end is to secure salvation. Some think that religion is meant only for the old. On the other hand, if they regulate their activities from younger days, they can lead a peaceful life.

Another mistake man commits is his failure to realise that he has come from God and his concern should be to go back to Him. He can rise to the level of the Divine or be a demon. With his power of discrimination, he can lead a life of detachment, and cultivate the habit of remaining contented. His only duty is to love God sincerely.

Sri Ganapathi Satchidananda Swami in a lecture said, blame and praise are the two sides of the coin called life. A person should accept his faults when pointed out by others and even be grateful to them. To acquire equipoise, and to train the mind to be perfectly calm amidst the pairs of opposites (such as honour and dishonour, joy and sorrow) one has to seek the company of pious men whose vigilant guidance, can help him to go through life.

Service to the spiritual guides and to society, joining the company of saintly men, and showing respect to elderly persons with character, will make life's journey pleasant. Meditating on God for sometime daily, chanting the names of the Divine and avoiding association with evil forces which may tempt a person, will help to develop purity of thoughts.
                                                                          December 5, 1995