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Keeping the faith

Keeping the faith

The Hindu3 days ago

Bad times may come into our lives in one form or another. Sita wailed and said destiny came to her in the form of a deer. Despite Lakshmana tendering a word of caution to Sita, she did not pay heed and traduced him with derogatory remarks. Manas, Chittham and Buddhi are relative terms. If people are fascinated by and drawn to worldly things, it is called Chittham. Suppose we are in a state of wavering; it is known as Manas. A controlled and steady position is named Buddhi. Praying to God will make our minds steadfast and unwavering. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that He grants a 'clean mind' to those who worship Him.
Sita says on our behalf that people may go berserk and lose their mental stability in times of adversity. We must be patient, exercise restraint, and be cautious during testing times. When the auspicious time arrives, it will automatically prompt our minds to think of good and noble things.
We should not slander others. It is of three types: through the mind, words and physical faculties. It is said that it will ricochet through the same medium that we used to calumniate others.
Sri Damodhara Dikshithar stated in a discourse that God reveals good or bad omens to those who have faith. It is a tradition for people to break coconuts in temples as a sign of good fortune. They pray that it should be correctly broken and should not be stale. For dire prognostications, if any, people may light lamps before God or pray to Goddess Durga.
Upon Hanuman's arrival, Sita experienced favourable omens at Ashokavana, indicating that good things would happen. Seeds dried up due to the wind and scorching sun would sprout with a spell of rain. Sita was all happy with the signs of good omens. Like the moon emerging from an eclipse with an incredible shine, Sita's dowdy face changed and glowed with all its brightness.

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