In the Sama Veda
In the Sama Veda, which has the same authority and importance as the Rig-Veda, there
occurs a famous passage, which is
generally known as the Sethu Sama. It enjoins on us the great ideal of charity. In fact in
this passage reference is made to the four Sethus or hurdles which a person should-cross
in his spiritual pilgrimage for the realization of Godhead. The four hurdles are anger,
want of faith, falsehood and non-charitableness." If these hurdles are crossed then
the pilgrim attains immortality, heaven and light. The
ways to overcome- these four hurdles are also pointed out. The way to conquer anger is by
tranquility of mind or absence of hatred. Absence of faith should be conquered by faith.
Truth will conquer falsehood and charity will dispel non - charitable ness. These
sentiments have been later echoed by Lord Buddha in the Dhammapada." Later, this
passage has, again been embodied in one of the verses of Satha Sloki (Century of Verses)
of Sankaracharya (Verse 19), Selfishness or in other words, the possessive instinct is.
natural in man and it is by the exercise of charity that this instinct should be
completely eradicated.
Charity should form part of the noble nature of man. The Sama
Veda very rightly perceives the real difficulty as the possessive instinct inborn in the
human being. But the only way to eradicate this instinct is to perform on all occasions
noble acts of charity and thereby acquire the spiritual instinct, which may make one
absolutely unselfish and devoted to the service of mankind. |
