The Hindu : Characteristic of a good man
Characteristic of a good man
What is the chief characteristic of a good man? Is it the generous charity he gives or is it his personal code of conduct amidst the deluge of everyday compulsions? Upholding conventions or embarking upon altruistic endeavours apart, one who is instantly moved by the plight of the suffering of his fellow human beings alone is hailed as a worthy personage. When he puts into action and channelises his energy and resources towards what his conscience tells him to do for the betterment of his brethren, such an individual is said to be a true follower of the holy edicts.
Due to various constraints, some may view with trepidation, the rites and rituals prescribed in sacred literature. Some others, out of sheer ignorance, may fear them as if they were a bogey and prefer to merely acquire spiritual knowledge. However, what is mandatory is a judicious admixture of both theory and practice of religion. None of us can claim total perfection, but everyone can, in his own small measure, tread the path of spiritual discipline. Guidance in this direction from several sources is available for a humble seeker. One such tool is the study of scriptures with the help of stalwarts.
The work by Vedanta Desika on the "Extraordinary Mercy" of Lord Srinivasa provides details concerning several aspects of spiritual knowledge and excellence of the path of Devotion, said the Jeeyar Swami of the Ahobila Math in a discourse.
The royal vista shown by preceptors is yet another source of helping a person to discipline his mind. They are champions and guardians of established religious orders. Based on scriptures and adopting the traditions handed over by their preceptors, these messengers will tell us how to observe purity and adopt the steps to adore God.
Among the ordinary rules of religious conduct are the wearing of caste marks, offering daily prayers and carrying out the minimum religious duty thrice a day. No one should fail to do them and for this the seed must be sown even in the formative period of youngsters. Why should one feel shy to follow his religion when others even take a few minutes out of their office time to do such a minimal exercise? Once in a train accident a boy of pious nature with his face adorned with sacred marks, miraculously escaped and his explanation to his saviours was that he was acting according to his preceptor's directives. There can be a perfect balance between religiosity and modernity.
from : http://www.hindu.com/
