The Hindu : Accessibility, God's distinctive trait

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 10, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Accessibility, God's distinctive trait

CHENNAI OCT. 10 . A common (perhaps legitimate too) doubt that arises in the minds of a few who desire to sincerely pursue the religious injunctions is whether they can reach the Divine Empire where they will be received by the Almighty and whether they can escape rebirth by serving Him there permanently. Their feelings are based on the worldly experience where it is not so easy to approach a person wielding authority or possessing wealth. Here comes the difference between God and man. The former is always ready and keen to welcome devotees who seek Him, ignoring all their imperfections and taints. On the other had, man acquires certain qualities, which make him behave in a queer manner. God, being the reservoir of only auspicious attributes, without any blemish, can be easily reached as "accessibility" is one of His distinctive traits.

Sacred works mentioning all the merciful qualities of God refer in particular to His readiness to ignore all the bad aspects of a man's conduct. A host of His traits is contained in the monumental Tamil work of Saint Nammazhwar, called Thiruvoimozhi in over 1,000 verses, wherein all His generous gestures are narrated. The essential nature of God is Reality, Knowledge, Bliss and Infiniteness. He is the refuge of those who go to Him seeking His protection and dispenses to them the objects desired by them. The Azhwar explains how like a tamed elephant bends its legs to enable a person to sit on its back, God demonstrates His eagerness to embrace a sincere devotee. Though a person might have indulged in sinful deeds, He will overlook all of them and provides him encouragement and opportunity by stages to go towards Him. He will remove the penitents' sins and hence there is no need for anyone to feel hesitant whether he is qualified to present himself before such an incomparable, perfect, flawless Divine Personality. Even while performing religious duties God does not expect any extravagant display of pomp. His forms as consecrated idols are supremely delightful and enchanting with His weapons and ornaments. He beckons devotees to witness His bewitching figures and derive peace. His concern for devotees is likened to a mother's loving care to her child, said Sri Mannargudi Rajagopalachariar in a discourse. The best example of His simplicity is seen in His role as a charioteer obeying the master's (His disciple) commands.

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Accessibility, God's distinctive trait

dated October 10, 1952: Building a New India

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