2022-09-09 03:10:09 by Kchitrapu
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VIII. EPILOGUE
The epilogue narrates the fruits of regular and
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 Atharvashīrsha 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 "Vasudhiāiva kutṭumbakam"
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 !!"
22
The epilogue narrates the fruits of regular and
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 Atharvashīrsha 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 "Vasudh
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 !!"
22