Question & Answer sessions with HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – 2015
Path of Virtue Suited to All
Question :
We have many Vedas, Sastras, Puranas, and other scriptures. They prescribe various paths of righteousness that one should follow. Some paths appeal to some people. Those with limited knowledge find fault with some of the teachings. Can you suggest a path that is universally acceptable to everyone?
Answer :
Everyone has to accept all the rules. However, all are not suited to everyone. People’s tastes differ. Mahabharata prescribes the path of non-violence. It says do not harm anyone. Follow the way of peace. A very important verse comes to mind. It transcends all distinctions of caste, creed, gender, religion, and so on. It is from Ashtaavakra Gita:
muktimicchasicēttāta viṣayān viṣavattyaja |
kṣamārjava dayāśauca satyam pīyūṣavat bhaja ||
Child, if you desire Liberation – that is what everyone seeks, regardless of what faith they follow. Everyone wishes to merge in the Supreme Soul ultimately. Aside from that, everyone has certain worldly desires. As per their Karma, some of those get fulfilled, and some may not get fulfilled.
Why should one be virtuous? To qualify for Liberation. If you wish to get liberated, despise and reject worldly temptations, treating them as poison. What should be given up has been spelled out. What then should be sought that is universally appealing to everyone?
Kshama, Aarjava, Daya, Soucha, and Satya. Kshama is patience and fortitude. Have tolerance and endurance. Aarjava is straightforwardness in pursuing, the faith you are born into, your Guru’s instructions, and what you firmly believe in. Do not fear if you face impediments in your path. Integrity and honesty are essential in remaining just. The way a train remains steadfastly on its tracks, you must stay on track with determination. That many trains get derailed these days, is a different matter. Be compassionate. Be kind. It is very important to keep your body, surroundings, and the atmosphere clean, as well as your mind and intellect. Follow the path of truth. Digest these five qualities, treating them as the elixir of life, Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Because it is these five which lead one to Liberation, these are the most desirable virtues to follow. Everyone in the world must follow these five. If they do so, their lives will be happy and comfortable. All Karmas and rituals are performed to help follow these five. It may not be possible to practice all five of them. If any one of these is strictly followed, the other four will follow.
Jaya Guru Datta !