Wednesday, February 03, 2016
“ Loka-Sangraha means educating the ignorant and wayward masses; integrating them comfortably and leading them towards the path of Self-Realisation ; to nurture and foster Satyaloka, Devaloka and Pitruloka along with Bhooloka, thus making them inter-dependent and pro-active amongst themselves.”
This is the meaning of Loka-Sangraha as expounded in Jnyaneshwari , the supreme scripture . We tend to go by the superficial meaning of the word, namely bringing people together or making friends with people etc. However, since Jnyaneshwari envisages a universal perspective, it would be proper to understand larger meaning of the term.
In fact, the word appears in the scripture while describing duties for even a ‘realised’ or ‘enlightened’ being. Even when such a being attains the state of ‘Naishkarmya’ or non-doership’, he must engage in Loka-Sangraha ; teaching and guiding the masses through precept and example. There are some beautiful verses pertaining to this exhortation , which should be learnt from the original text. Most of Indian Spiritual Texts extol the concept of ‘Moksha’, Liberation or Deliverance for the beings from this mundane, ephemeral world or ‘Samsaar’. However, I found the word Loka-Sangraha quite fascinating . Just as it is the duty of a better off person to help and guide fellow beings who may be less fortunate, it is much more so for those financially- socially- politically or spiritually on better pedestal. I said just now that one should guide through precept and example . Well, there are myriads of ‘preachers’ exhorting right thoughts, right speech, right conduct etc. But how many really set their own example for the masses ? Of course few names could always be quoted , but alas, those are indeed minuscule ! What could be the reasons for that apathy or disinterest ? Perhaps lack of proper understanding of the teachings of Saints, Scriptures or the likes ; inadequate study and practice of those teachings ; ego and pride of learning ; or a combination of all these put together. No, I do not wish to be ‘judgemental’ here ; I just want to know ‘why’, that's all !
Coming back to ‘Lola-Sangraha’ ! The Lord in His impeccable style says to Arjuna that He Incarnates from age to age whenever righteousness is endangered ; it is to salvage the good and godly ; to destroy wickedness from sinners ; for the sake of world’s welfare and so on. Moreover, He stresses emphatically that He does so through Saints and Sages who in turn hoist flags of happiness and bliss for the masses. He cites King Janaka, the fully enlightened one engaged in selfless, desire less and devout activity for the masses. Indeed, the responsibilities and obligations are manifold for a ‘realised’ being and it is here that the word Loka-Sangraha becomes all the more important.
Indeed, the prayer is – “Loka Samasta Sukhinou Bhavantu “ ( Let All the Worlds be Happy, Blissful, Bountiful ) Can we embark on that Mission for overall welfare of all the worlds, nay, the Universe? We Must, whether enlightened or otherwise !!
Jai Sairam.
Pune 4 Feb. 2016 .
This is the meaning of Loka-Sangraha as expounded in Jnyaneshwari , the supreme scripture . We tend to go by the superficial meaning of the word, namely bringing people together or making friends with people etc. However, since Jnyaneshwari envisages a universal perspective, it would be proper to understand larger meaning of the term.
In fact, the word appears in the scripture while describing duties for even a ‘realised’ or ‘enlightened’ being. Even when such a being attains the state of ‘Naishkarmya’ or non-doership’, he must engage in Loka-Sangraha ; teaching and guiding the masses through precept and example. There are some beautiful verses pertaining to this exhortation , which should be learnt from the original text. Most of Indian Spiritual Texts extol the concept of ‘Moksha’, Liberation or Deliverance for the beings from this mundane, ephemeral world or ‘Samsaar’. However, I found the word Loka-Sangraha quite fascinating . Just as it is the duty of a better off person to help and guide fellow beings who may be less fortunate, it is much more so for those financially- socially- politically or spiritually on better pedestal. I said just now that one should guide through precept and example . Well, there are myriads of ‘preachers’ exhorting right thoughts, right speech, right conduct etc. But how many really set their own example for the masses ? Of course few names could always be quoted , but alas, those are indeed minuscule ! What could be the reasons for that apathy or disinterest ? Perhaps lack of proper understanding of the teachings of Saints, Scriptures or the likes ; inadequate study and practice of those teachings ; ego and pride of learning ; or a combination of all these put together. No, I do not wish to be ‘judgemental’ here ; I just want to know ‘why’, that's all !
Coming back to ‘Lola-Sangraha’ ! The Lord in His impeccable style says to Arjuna that He Incarnates from age to age whenever righteousness is endangered ; it is to salvage the good and godly ; to destroy wickedness from sinners ; for the sake of world’s welfare and so on. Moreover, He stresses emphatically that He does so through Saints and Sages who in turn hoist flags of happiness and bliss for the masses. He cites King Janaka, the fully enlightened one engaged in selfless, desire less and devout activity for the masses. Indeed, the responsibilities and obligations are manifold for a ‘realised’ being and it is here that the word Loka-Sangraha becomes all the more important.
Indeed, the prayer is – “Loka Samasta Sukhinou Bhavantu “ ( Let All the Worlds be Happy, Blissful, Bountiful ) Can we embark on that Mission for overall welfare of all the worlds, nay, the Universe? We Must, whether enlightened or otherwise !!
Jai Sairam.
Pune 4 Feb. 2016 .
