‘Maatri Devo Bhavah!’- Mother is God! declare Hindu scriptures as divine status is accorded the earthly mother. And why not, for she is the generator and sustainer of life as well as the destroyer of undesirable qualities in her children’s lives. Such functions have been appropriated to God Himself whose essence is that of truth.
It is logical to infer, therefore, that ‘satyam’ or truth is like mother. A popular definition of truth is that which is often stated by Paramacharyaji His Holiness Pt. Hardeo Persad, who says ‘Truth IS’. This implies that there can be no variations, compromising or accepting different shades of truth. Truth engenders creativity; it sustains like mother and destroys negativities like the concerned parent seeking the uplift of her child. The practitioner of this pillar of dharma becomes endowed with renaissance in his daily life, continuous flow of generative thoughts, experiences continued sustenance and is gradually lifted to expanded levels of consciousness. Such is the power gained by living a life of truth!
Quite often, truth is compromised in various ways as we wend our way through the corridors of life. It appears as if survival is for that individual who submits to the voice of greed and materialism. A picture of falsehood and distortion is presented by many, illustrating the contradictory nature of the way we are supposed to do things. ‘Vaani’ or speech, so sacred and pure as the notes emanating from Maataa Saraswati’s veena, is canopied in the dark, so much so, that we engage in wordplay that completely ignores the essence of what we are really supposed to live by. We cloak this sacred vow of truth as we hedge, bluff and evade issues that confront us. Dereliction of dharma or duty has detoured our lives away from the path of truth as the lower animalistic qualities are given free reign.
The result of such actions, consequently, is the experience of ‘daihik’ (bodily), ‘bhautik’(environmental) and ‘daivik’(divine) discomfort. Physical pain, illness, diseases and other medical challenges pose serious threats to survival of life every moment. The increasing crime rate, the spreading indiscipline from the class-room to the work-place and the general disregard for life appear to give only bleak hope of a brighter tomorrow. Even the unpredictable weather patterns and other unusual natural climatic changes are no longer phenomenon but are becoming quite commonplace gradually. Most certainly, a picture of life as it is painted in our beautiful land today!
One of the ways to be freed from this scourge and to be spared of the effects of these miserable conditions is to return to a life of dharma, of duty and truthfulness. How can this be done? The practices of the ten forms of self-restraint(truth, compassion, straight-forwardness, non-stealing, non-violence, cleanliness, constancy, diet-control, forgiveness and celibacy) and the ten positive virtues(penance, contentment, relentless pursuit of self-knowledge, charity, worship of Divinity, modesty, self-study, listening to God’s glories, repetition of God’s glories and celibacy) are ways to conquer the negative qualities within and rise out of untruth. This truth must be manifest in ‘man, kram and vachan’ that is, in our thoughts ,action and speech. This truth combined with the sincere worship of the divine Mother provides us with the protective armour against all adversity. Indeed, Mother is ‘satyam’ and would do anything to protect her children. Her Divine gaze and protective hands are always on those who travel the road of truth.
As we observe the auspicious period of Nau Raatri 2009, which commences on March 27, let us seek to win the favour and grace of Devi Maa. Let us resolve to be truthful in our words, thoughts and actions. Let us also shrug off the inertia that stifles principles. Let us strive as best as we can to be dutiful in our responsibilities, for it is said that ‘dharma protects those who serve dharma’. Let us surge forward with the torch of ‘satyam’. May we gain victory over the lower self and be lifted close, ever close to Divinity.
Jaidath
Sita Ram,
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Who presented this?