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TEARS of a repentant sinner are not only precious
but rare. Such humility and true remorse are not religious acts but are
primarily meant to benefit, purify and ennoble the concerned person. These
would thus confer a cornucopia of blessings and benefits. The Bible
(Mathew-5,8) gives an indication of the immense potential in this statement:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Mr. Malcolm Evans,
a British national, presently in India, in one of his recent lectures,
stressed on the need to pray " hopefully and honestly asking for God's mercy
for the sinners we are". He also cites the parable of the tax collector
(Luke 18:10 to 14), in this regard.
A pharisee and a tax collector once went to pray. The pharisee
thanked God for what he perceived were his virtues, stating that he was
better than many persons including the tax collector. On the other hand, the
tax collector, standing far off, was beating his chest imploring mercy for
his sins. Narrating this, Jesus observed that the tax collector, in
view of his humility and repentance , would go home more fulfilled. Everyone
who exalts himself would be humbled, while one who humbles himself be
exalted. This inner cleansing would exalt one to high levels of
accomplishment. Indeed, a great piece of work of God is one, who in this
manner, contributes to the joy and peace all around.
True
repentance, however, is not limited merely to acts involving sins, cheating
or unfairness, but extends even to follies and wasteful activities indulged
in, through wrong thoughts, concepts, priorities and fantasies or living in
a fool's paradise--in short all involvements which leave unhealthy
impression upon one's personality. Buddha's eight-fold path conceives of not
merely right physical action but propriety and goodness in all aspects of
life and living. The glow of supreme wisdom obtained, not merely leads the
person on, but also quells the impacts and impressions left behind all acts,
situations or transactions encountered over the years and ages. This is jnanagni, which Bhagavad Gita declares (4-19, 37), burns to ashes the impact
of all actions (Karma).
The starting points is, therefore, that
inner purity or that penetrating self-honesty, which accepts, identifies and
eliminates the toxins, aberrations and imperfections within. Fortunate
indeed is such a blessed soul, who treads this noble, joyful, rewarding and
fulfilling path ! |
