| In the
Vaishnava tradition, this, episode, in which Vibheeshana is taken by the Prince into his
camp and innermost council, is held to be as important as the Bhagavad Gita episode in the
Mahaabhaarata. It illustrates the
doctrine that the Lord accepts all who in absolute surrender seek shelter at his feet,
regardless of their merits or defects. Their sins are burnt out by the mere act of
surrender. This is a message of hope to erring humanity. It is the heart of the Vaishnava
faith that there is hope for the worst of us if only we surrender ourselves to the Lord.
But why should I restrict this doctrine to
the Vaishnava tradition? Is not this the heart of all the religious traditions in our
land, yes, and of all the religions in the world? Every world teacher stresses this
certainty of relief and redemption. It is not to Arjuna only that Krishna said: "Have
no fear, cast off all doubt, I shall destroy all your sins, " Wherever in the world
God has spoken to mankind in a human voice, He has given this assurance. |
