Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal (20 May 1894 – 8 January 1994) reminds us that Bhagavan lifts up the fallen with his grace.
It is bad vasana that drags us again and again into wrongdoing. Unfortunately, we do not seem to harbor any fear on that score. People like us, indeed even those known to have sinned much, have become devotees of Bhagavan and obtained light and wisdom. How is Isvara qualified to be called great if he is not compassionate, and does not protect sinners also? It is because of sinners like us that he has come to have the title of "Patitapabana" [he who sanctifies or lifts up the fallen with his grace]. It is we who have brought him such a distinction.
"Come to me, your only refuge. I shall free you from all sins. Have no fear (sarvapapebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah).” The assurance that Bhagavan Sri Krishna gives to free us from sin is absolute.
So let us learn to be courageous. To tie up an object you wind a string round it again and again. If it is to be untied you will have to do the unwinding in a similar manner. To eradicate the vasana or sinning you must develop the vasana of doing good to an equal degree. In between there ought to be neither haste nor anger. With haste and anger the thread you keep unwinding will get tangled again. Isvara will come to our help if we have patience, if we have faith in him and if we are rooted in dharma.
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The goal of all religions is to wean away man - his mind, his speech and his body - from sensual pleasure and lead him towards Bhagavan. Great men have appeared from time to time and established their religions with the goal of releasing people from attachment to their senses, for it is our senses that impel us to sin. "Transitory is the joy derived from sinful action, from sensual pleasure. Bliss is union with the Paramatman.” Such is the teaching of all religions and their goal is to free man from worldly existence by leading him towards Bhagavan.
Additional Teachings And Explanation
The quote from Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal touches on profound spiritual concepts central to Hinduism and many other faiths, focusing on human imperfection, the nature of sin, divine compassion, and redemption. Let’s expand on this with added context, symbolism, and modern-day relevance:
1. The Nature of "Vasana" and Human Imperfection:
- Vasana refers to the mental impressions, tendencies, or latent desires carried over from past lives. In Hindu philosophy, it is believed that these vasanas shape our present actions and often drag us into patterns of wrongdoing or sin.
- Human Fallibility: The passage reflects the understanding that humans, burdened by their past karmas and vasanas, are bound to falter. Mistakes and sins are part of the human experience. However, recognizing these faults is crucial because it opens the door to seeking divine grace and redemption.
2. The Role of Divine Compassion:
- Isvara’s Compassion: The passage highlights the greatness of Isvara (God) not only because of His power but, more importantly, because of His compassion and forgiveness. His title, "Patitapabana," which means the one who sanctifies or lifts the fallen, signifies His mercy toward even the most sinful individuals.
- In Hinduism, the concept of "Karuna" (compassion) is pivotal. Many deities, like Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, are worshipped for their merciful nature. Lord Vishnu, particularly in his incarnation as Krishna, is described as the protector of the humble and fallen. This sentiment echoes the famous line from the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna says, “Whenever there is decay of righteousness, I come forth to protect the good and destroy the wicked.”
- Importance of Bhakti (Devotion): Even the most sinful can turn to God with sincere devotion and be purified. Saints and sages in various traditions emphasize the transformative power of bhakti (devotion), implying that divine love is available to all, regardless of their past.
3. Symbolism of the Fallen and Divine Grace:
- "Patitapabana" as a Title: The passage suggests that God’s greatness is magnified by His willingness to save sinners. The idea is that if God only showered grace on the virtuous, He wouldn’t be considered truly compassionate or great. It is through the act of uplifting the fallen, the broken, and the sinful that His true glory is realized.
- Redemption: In many spiritual traditions, including Christianity and Islam, divine compassion is similarly emphasized. The Bible speaks of God's infinite mercy toward repentant sinners (e.g., the Prodigal Son parable). In Islam, Allah is described as "Ar-Rahman" and "Ar-Rahim" (the Most Merciful and Compassionate), forgiving even the gravest sins of those who turn to Him sincerely.
4. Modern-Day Relevance:
- The Human Struggle with Guilt and Shame: In today’s world, people often struggle with guilt over their mistakes or moral failings. This message is especially relevant in the modern context, where individuals are burdened by societal pressures, personal shortcomings, and a sense of alienation. The idea that divine grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past sins, offers solace and hope to those feeling overwhelmed by their flaws.
- Self-Compassion and Personal Growth: In addition to its religious meaning, this message resonates with modern psychological approaches that emphasize the importance of self-compassion and self-forgiveness. Just as God is compassionate and willing to forgive, we too must cultivate forgiveness toward ourselves, understanding that personal growth often comes through overcoming mistakes.
5. Practicality in Today’s Life:
- Transforming Guilt into Growth: In modern society, where perfectionism and fear of failure are prevalent, the wisdom of forgiving oneself and seeking divine grace for growth is practical and healing. It teaches us not to dwell on our past but to focus on personal transformation through faith and effort.
- Faith as Strength: Relying on divine compassion can help individuals overcome despair and mental burdens. For instance, individuals going through addiction, depression, or moral dilemmas might find solace in the belief that redemption is always possible through sincere repentance and devotion.
6. Similar Thoughts in Hinduism and Other Cultures:
- Hinduism: The message of divine compassion is echoed throughout various scriptures. In the Ramayana, Lord Rama is often depicted as the ultimate embodiment of dharma, who offers compassion to all, including those who have wronged him. Similarly, in the Bhagavata Purana, stories like that of Ajamila, a sinner who was saved by simply uttering the name of God in his final moments, reinforce the power of God’s mercy.
- Christianity: Jesus Christ’s teachings emphasize forgiveness and redemption. He repeatedly taught that even sinners who repent are welcomed with open arms by God (e.g., the story of Mary Magdalene and the Woman at the Well).
- Buddhism: Though Buddhism doesn’t have a creator God, it still emphasizes compassion. The Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism teaches that enlightened beings delay their own liberation to help others on the path to enlightenment.
- Islam: The Quran repeatedly highlights that Allah is merciful to those who sincerely seek forgiveness. The emphasis on repentance and divine mercy is central to Islamic spirituality.
7. Benefits of Embracing This Message:
- Emotional Healing: Understanding and accepting divine compassion can provide a path to emotional healing, reducing feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness.
- Personal Growth: Recognizing that past sins or mistakes can be forgiven allows individuals to move forward in life with a renewed sense of purpose and strength.
- Connection to the Divine: Faith in divine grace can strengthen one’s relationship with God, deepening devotion and inspiring a more compassionate outlook on life.
In conclusion, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal’s message that God’s compassion extends to even the most sinful individuals is an invitation to reflect on the nature of divine love and grace. It reassures us that no one is beyond redemption, and through sincere devotion and self-effort, even those who have strayed far from the path can be brought back into the light. This universal message resonates across cultures, emphasizing that compassion—both divine and human—is the key to transformation and growth.