Gateway to liberation

CHENNAI, NOV. 3. The term ``Penance'' widely used in the scriptural guidelines is often mistaken to mean that a person should retire to seclusion and escape from worldly enjoyments. Broadly it indicates the steps to be adopted to remain ever in communion with God through various exercises such as meditation and through austere observances. Even living amidst the normal surroundings, a person, limiting his desires and carrying out his daily duties with detachment, can be constantly thinking of God's merciful qualities. Even sages were married but they pursued the path which led to the divine kingdom. To be ever attached to God is possible by abiding to the moral code, be frugal in food, apportion all leisure time to pray to God, after discharging family obligations. A framework has been made available to lead a life of virtue so as to enjoy Bliss. Any violation of the rules of the divine constitution will result in distress. Even God in human form strictly adhered to these directives. Those who were keen to lead a life based on Righteousness, sought guidance from spiritual leaders and God too in His incarnation was taught by such enlightened men. (Like Vasishta and Sandipani). In one of the divine manifestations as Lord Rishabadara, valuable advice has been made available to lead a life of perfection, by every individual.

The Bhagavatam dealing with the glorious administration of his kingdom by Rishaba (meaning, the foremost), explains how he performed his actions like an ordinary mortal and taught to the ignorant by his own example, the duties which had been forgotten through passage of time. He remained equipoised, calm and controlled, was friendly disposed towards all and full of compassion. Once in the presence of his subjects, he addressed his own sons ... who were disciplined, on the methods to adhere to ``Dharma''. This teaching throws light on men's duties and on spiritual exercises, said Sri P.M. Vijayaraghava Sastrigal in a discourse.

``The human body deserves in this world, something better than the pleasures which result in misery and which are available to the creatures that feed on ordure. It should be devoted to the highest austerities by which the mind is purified and enabled to bring one, the endless Bliss. Service of the ``great'' is the gateway to liberation, while association with wicked person will lead to hell. The ``great'' are those who are equable in their attitude towards all and have peace in their hearts, who are free from anger and are friendly to all that lives and whose conduct in every way is exemplary. A clever man should tear the veil known by the name ``ego'' by abstaining from actions done with some interested motive; by listening to stories about God, through even- mindedness, tranquillity, freedom from animosity; by living in solitude; through faith in saints and holy books; through continence, and equipped with firmness, diligence and discretion.''

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