PARIHAARAMS

Question:

Can one’s Karma be changed/influenced by pariharas?

Reply:

The famous sanskrit statement relating to our human mind: "yath bhaavam tath bhavati" -is applicable to queries regarding the Karma theory and the pariharas undertaken to reduce the sufferings arising as a result of the operation of the law of Karma. One who has unquestioned belief in God's grace will be greatly benefited from the rituals of Pariharas through the consequent strengthening of one's own mind to deal with the karmic situation.

To develop this great faith, one first needs the attitude of mind that can affirm with faith Kulasekhara Azhwaar's staement: yath yath bhavyam bhavatu bhagawanpoorva karmaanuroopam- (Mukundamala). Our weak minds get strengthened and benefit greatly when we accept karmic happenings and humbly seek His Grace to reduce/avoid the ill-effects.

Theories and explanations that are acceptable to the logical mind belong to the realm of science which insists on prior proof through repeatable experiments. All other statements which have stood the test of time over hundreds of centuries and are believed by succeeding generations with great faith belong to what Sri Aurobindo called the 'supra-mind'. Most religions and philosophies call them received truths, implying that sages in the ancient past received the knowledge in their meditations directly from the super-consciousness.

We are lucky to have inherited this cultural tradition in our families through our parents/grand-parents. By definition therefore, these statements/truths are verifiable only through individual experience. For such experience to happen, it is first necessary to have faith that the ancient statements have come from a believable source. To question, at the very beginning, without traveling the indicated path fully is like the one who does not leave home and take even the first unless totally assured of reaching the goal. Even the statistical theory of probability on which many scientific pronouncements are based does not assure certainty for the future happening of an event.

Rejecting this great cultural treasure because of lack of faith and equating it to mere superstitious belief is like the miser with hoarded wealth, who chooses to live like a poor man. Pariharas, which are part of the treasure handed down over centuries are needed by us to strengthen our minds adequately to deal with difficult life-situations.They help to strengthen our minds, if we have faith in their efficacy, to strengthen our mind to face adverse events in life.