Treasure-house of Madhwa theology

CHENNAI, AUG. 24. While resorting to the spiritual path, sometimes an aspirant may reach a state of despondency, because of his problems. He may feel ``If God is all-knowing and all- powerful, where is the need for a man to constantly remind Him, through prayers about his despair and craving for His attention to remove the hurdles before him. Is He not aware of man's past, present and future? In such a case, will it not be wise for a man to carry out his day-to-day activities without disturbing the Almighty to eliminate the obstacles in his path. Or does God expect that a man should constantly be pleading with Him for His mercy till the relief arrives or as a condition for securing liberation?''

Many sincere devotees experience similar sentiments and at times, may adopt a posture of indifference towards the Supreme Being. One of their arguments is that even as a mother has to attend to her child, God should protect men and hence there is no necessity or compulsion to submit their appeals. Though this attitude may seem to be acceptable, scriptures have provided suitable explanations and have convinced them not to entertain such a negative view. They mention why devoted persons should not have any such feeling of severing their links with God or leave everything to God hoping that He will save them of His own accord. The Bhagavad Gita gives the answer for man's doubts. The commentary by Sri Raghavendra Swami (whose Aradhana was celebrated last week) called ``Gita Vritti'' (based on Sri Madhwacharya's ``Gita Bashya'' and ``Gita Tatparya''), is a wonderful masterpiece, a marvel of precision and treasure-house of Madhwa theology.

In a discourse, Sri Vignananidhi Theertha, Head of the Mulabagal Sripadaraja Math, said man is identifiable by the charter of duties to which he adheres. Activity distinguishes him from other types of creation. Even if he adopts a posture of indifference towards God, it does not absolve him from his activity, which is his very nature. Otherwise, he will get himself entangled in uneasy situations and uncomfortable relationships. Hence a devotee is advised to direct his activities towards God and escape from re-births. Though prayers may look redundant, there is no better spiritual alternative for him.

Sri Raghavendra (1624-71 A.D.), an exemplary socio-religious benefactor of Indian humanity was ordained as an ascetic to carry forward the torch lit by Sri Madhwacharya. His ``Brindavan'' in Mantralaya is a haven of peace. The Gita's message, which according to him, is action-oriented, says a devotee should do his duties pertaining to the group to which he belongs, without desire for fruits.

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