T Ram Sewak

MANUSH TAN

In Shri Ramcharitmanas (7.43-47) Shri Ram underscores the importance of attaining this human form (manush tan),

bade . pava, sura gava.

sadhan dvara, pai sanvara.

so pachitai, kalahi lagai.

"This human body, attained through good fortune, is difficult even for the celestials, so say the scriptures. It is most suitable for spiritual progress and a gateway to liberation. He, who fails to advance spiritually, even on attaining it, reaps torment in the other world and beats his head in remorse, wrongly attributing the blame to Time, Fate and God".

Shri Ram highlights humans' unique potential, explaining that while both animals and humans share basic needs and drives, humans have the capacity to live a life guided by dharma, which sets them apart from animals. Adherence to dharma (righteousness and an inclination for spiritual advancement) elevates humans above animals.

According to karma phal (fruit) theory, the form (yoni) one attains results from one's karma phal, which may lead to a Punya Yoni (celestial beings, etc.) or Paap Yoni (animals, demons, etc.). In these forms, the results of demerits (paap) and merits (punya) are exhausted. However, the human form enjoys a privilege. While we exhaust our old karma phal, we also have the unique opportunity to enhance our spiritual growth through our karma in this life and attain moksha (liberation). Shri Krishna echoes the same message in Gita 8.16 and emphasizes the preciousness of human life and the importance of utilizing it to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization.

On any sojourn, we are mindful of two points. First, how do we return, and second, what souvenirs should we carry back? We should have the same approach for our sojourn as humans in this world. Carry positive karmas (Punya) as souvenirs, and while following the path (marg) of bhakti or gyan while living in this world, use the same path for the return journey to Him. / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-69

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com