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VIII. EPILOGUE
 

 
The epilogue narrates the fruits of regular ana
d
meaningful worship of Ganesha. Motivation is the common

basis of all religions, whether it is for going to Heaven or

getting a better deal in subsequent births. As the majority

of people are 'rajasik', they tend to weigh the religion in

terms of rupees and naye paise! The 'Phalashruti',

however, dexterously intersperses the spiritual note with

the utilitarian. The key to the whole stanza is found in the

assurance that one who studies the Atharvashirsha attains
īrsha attains
Divinity and knows no fear.
 

 
Fortunately such is the power of regular spiritual

practices that they bring about a transformation of the

basic personality sooner or later. The seeker drops off his

negativities as a snake sloughs off his old skin, but his new

skin is not of the same hue and colour, unlike the snake's

old skin. The ego disappears, thought processes get

radically changed and the seeker realises that he is but an

humble instrument through whom the Almighty operates.

The seeker becomes a true citizen of the world as he be-

lieves in and applies the truth "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam"

in its true sense, rather than doing mere lip service to it

for self-aggrandizement.
 

 
Truly can Goethe's beautiful couplet apply to him:
 

 
"He took the suffering human race,
 

He read each wound and weakness clear,
 

He put his finger on the place
 

And said it aileth here and here !!"
 

 
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