The Hindu : True devotee is rid of all worldly worries

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 09, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

True devotee is rid of all worldly worries

CHENNAI JUNE 9 . Man's ultimate quest is peace of mind. It is a fact that problems and crises punctuate one's well-being. There are times when self-doubt prevails over clarity, and self-confidence dissolves. Feelings of determination and resolve are overtaken by despondency and helplessness pervades one's consciousness. This state of confusion can be caused by many factors and can happen to all men regardless of their calibre, status, wealth or educational qualifications.

When duty calls on one to perform tasks, which the heart shies away from or when the intellect is at odds with one's emotions, people find themselves dismayed by a sense of sorrow and anguish. How does one find mental peace is a question that plagues many as they find others make a success of their lives. Winners do not lead different lives — they merely utilise the opportunities offered to better advantage.

There is the story of three men with a dish of delicacy in front of them — whoever narrates the best experience stands to win the dessert. The first man relays a dream where God visited his garden. The second relives the dream where God took him to His garden. The third man explained that God admonished him for wasting time when there was sweetmeat in front of him, so he promptly ate it! No matter what the odds, one should stay the course and resolve the issues. A wise saying recommends that one should smile when he faces problems. Even the wise are not exempt from falling prey to despondency.

Arjuna is disconsolate when he encounters an old man grieving over his son's death. He tries to prevent the latter from taking his life. The mourner then extracts a promise from the warrior wherein if he were to be bereaved of his son, he would not contemplate taking his own life. A smiling Lord Krishna is witness to this exchange.

In His instruction, He tells Arjuna, "You grieve over those who should not be grieved for... . Wise men do not sorrow over the dead or the living." This, in essence, is the gospel of the Bhagavad Gita, where God exhorts man not to worry, but to seek refuge in Him. A true devotee who surrenders to Him by reposing total faith is rid of all worries, fears and grief, said Sri Swaroopananda of Sivananda Foundation, in his discourse on the Bhagavad Gita.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

Stories in this Section

All in the game

The Hindu Crossword No. 7694

Solution to puzzle 7693

True devotee is rid of all worldly worries

dated June 9, 1953: Barnes suggests light innovation

dated June 9, 1953: Fine qualities of officer

dated June 9, 1953: Queen honours mountaineers

National Weather

Evil 'orcs' break into OED

Sharon as Hillary?

An alternative career