The Hindu : God is benevolent to real seekers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jun 28, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

God is benevolent to real seekers

CHENNAI JUNE 28 . Scriptural texts such as the Bhagavatham are a source of practical guidelines for betterment of life on earth. Reading such holy literature helps a person to fine tune and enhance the devotion to God that is latent within. An average human being, caught up in worldly affairs is capable of coming to terms with only positive aspects such as gains and joy and not with loss, sorrow or other negative realities. Saints and men of a higher bent of mind remain unaffected by the above-mentioned dual characteristics. Yet both types tread the path of devotion and reach God, each in his own way.

The Supreme Being's manifestations were for the purpose of offering salvation. As Rama, it was towards the end of His stay in this world that He led all people with Him to eternal bliss. However as Lord Krishna, He was instantly benevolent to all those who approached Him — even those who harboured evil intent. Putana set out to poison Him, Satakasura planned to cause harm while yet another demon went for His throat.

The Lord offered salvation to every one of them, even without their solicitations — it was enough that they reached Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord says, "Whoever approaches Me in any manner, I shall grant them their desire". The sages of Dandakaranya, swayed by His image, were wistful when Rama left them and yearned for Him. Retaining their unstated wishes He gave tremendous happiness in His other manifestation by being an object of delight to all Yadavas.

Gokulam was a community of harmonious relationships where none harboured ill will towards anyone — love was the driving force when God lived amidst them. Child Krishna's interactions with Yasoda stand testimony to that. He granted her a glimpse of His greatness but made her forget the same the next moment.

Just as how one cannot put up an awning to cover the sky so too was Yasoda unable to tie Him after one of His pranks. When she said, "Can I not get You", the simple words are treated as prayer. He immediately acquiesced and responded like an elephant fetching a rope to its mahout in order that he may tie up. When God has ordained such discipline for lesser beings, why would not He do as much for devotees, said Sri P. M. Vijayaraghava Sastrigal in his discourse.

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