Divine Law is eternally valid

CHENNAI, FEB. 19. Even those who have been zealously upholding the provisions of the Law of Righteousness can be seen getting disheartened when faced with problems which seem to defy solution. At that juncture, when they may come to feel that God has been unkind to them, the only way to comfort them is to remind them of several others in similar situations having suffered on a bigger scale and how even kings had been reduced to penury (though for a brief time). What is needed to boost the sagging morale of such sincere men who had been temporarily upset is not to despise what our religion says.

Sages, saints and scholars had therefore taken pains to paint out how the Divine Law will be eternally valid and its constitution is based on sound tested principles. They cannot be amended to suit one's whims. Some of the commands may appear harsh requiring extraordinary efforts to follow them. Traditions which had stemmed from this Law of Virtue may change from place to place as in the case of temple worship. In North India, anyone can perform poojas to idols whereas this privilege is confined in the South only to qualified priests. But these are exceptions and not rules in themselves. Man, who is born alone and leaves the world alone, will carry with him only the fruits of his righteous acts. Virtue follows the body that has been abandoned by all. Those who do not violate the injunctions will surely derive the rewards in some cases, immediately and for some, at later days. The best example given is that of a plantain tree. Within a short time after planting, there will be sprouts showing up but to get the leaves and fruits, one has to wait for some time.

Also, those who stand by the law will be given tests by God to see whether they do not deviate from it. In the Mahabharata, after the conclusion of the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishtira was grieved at the enormous loss of lives and underwent mental torture, when he was led to the grand old man, Bhishma who was awaiting the final call. At the request of the former, Bhishma gave a lengthy dissertation on the duties and responsibilities of a person, particularly of a ruler and on character development. The topics dealt with ranged from administrative efficiency to ways to control citizens and how, even in the wake of trials, one has to adhere to the law (Dharma). Salient points from their dialogue were explained by Sri Vaidyanatha Sastrigal in a discourse. Bhishma's advice in a nutshell was: ``See God in everyone and everywhere. Never feel that you alone are great. Practise qualities like gentleness, compassion, self-restraint and tranquillity. Truth is the greatest penance and Krishna is the Lord of the Universe.''

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