The Vedas are believed to be the very breath of the Supreme Brahman and their import has reached posterity through the revelations experienced by sages and rishis . Time and again, the Lord assumes the form of preceptors to propagate this Vedic tradition which is also known as Sanatana Dharma. The Saivite tradition reveres Dakshinamurthy, a form assumed by Siva to impart the esoteric values of the Vedic tradition to the sages Sanat Kumaras, the mind-born sons of Brahma, as the primordial Guru.
Sanatana Dharma is synonymous with righteousness and is the basis for the values of life, both material and spiritual. It has existed from time immemorial and is relevant to all people of all places and times. It is pertinent to both here and hereafter since it meets the worldly and spiritual requirements of man. Regardless of gender, age, profession, economic status in life, etc., the fundamental codes of conduct have to be followed, said Swami Paramatmananda in a lecture.
A life of discipline demands that one develops the habit of preceding all our actions by appropriate planning and preparation to foresee possible obstacles and devise suitable strategies. There is a saying that a prey will not enter a sleeping lion's mouth. All success requires perseverance. The Purana stories give examples of the truth that sincere hard work coupled with selfless commitment is what is needed.
When the celestials were advised to seek the Amrita from the ocean, the Supreme Brahman Himself was part of the massive action plan and bore the brunt of the hard work by assuming the form of a tortoise to enable the churning of the ocean.
King and sage Bhagiratha's penance is illustrative of tremendous effort and tenacious will power. He performed severe austerities to bring the river Ganga to earth so that his ancestors, the sons of Sagara, could be redeemed. His act has also benefited humanity as the sacred Ganga purifies us of sins. The term Bhagiratha Prayatna is used to show the magnitude of the task, the will and hard work needed for its accomplishment.
