Challenge 3.21: "DELIBERATE DISCREETLY AND DECIDE!"

From the Bhakti List Archives

• October 31, 1999


SwAmi VEdAnta DEsika's "NaichyAnusanthAnam" and 
"SAtvika AhamkAram "
(As gleaned from his StOtras.) - 
Part 3 - SWAMI CHALLENGES!
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Dear Bhagavatas
Kindly refer to "Part 3 - SWAMI CHALLENGES! An Introductory Note" - 
posted on 10th October 99. I am leaving out this to avoid repetition. 
You may read that to appreciate this posting in the proper perspective. 
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy
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Challenge 3.21: "DELIBERATE DISCREETLY AND DECIDE!"
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thyAgE guNEsa SaraNAgatha samjinO mE
sthyAna AgasOpi sahasaiva parigrahE vA /
kim nAma kutra bhavathi ithi krupadhibhis thE
gooDam niroopaya guNEthara thArathamyam //
(Sri SaraNAgathi Deepikai SlOkam 51)

Meaning
"Oh! ViLakkoLi perumAnE!

No doubt, I am a great sinner. 
But, I have earned the reputation of being a Prapanna.

No doubt also, you can forgive me or forsake me as it suits you.

But, may I advise you something?

Take your own time; Ponder over the pros and cons that will accrue to you in 
consultation with your kalyANa guNas, especially "karuNa' as the foreman of 
the consultants.

Deliberate discreetly and decide for yourself as to which course is better 
for you and for me"

Comment

There is a saying that one should not decide on Dharma on one's own 
individual opinion. "na Eko vichinthayEth dharmam"

SwAmi, therefore, suggests that the Lord should consult with all His Devis 
especially "KaruNa" to decide how He could cover Himself with glory in 
accepting SwAmi and how he would incur ignominy in rejecting him.

The message for us is that SwAmi assures us that once we appeal to our 
mother, especially mercy, the Lord cannot but inevitably decide on saving us 
in spite of our faults.
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To Continue- Challenge 3.22: 
"LISTEN TO WHAT THE WORLD SAYS ABOUT YOU!"
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