The Secret of Devotion
Bhakti Bhakt Bhagvant Guru chatur naam Baapu ek |
Inke pad bandan kiye nasat bighna anek ||
1) The Saint "Guru" who shows the path of devotion (bhakti)
2) The Beloved God (Bhagwaan)
3) The devotees (Bhakt) that are devoted to God and
4) Those who follow the path of devotion as laid down by the saints is "bhakti" devotion.
There are different names for these four, but in essence they are all one only.
An aspirant who with a determinate intellect and with a firm conviction recites the name of the Lord and meditates on the form of the Lord, and who excels in this, attains God quickly.
Jo jeev chaahe mukti ko to sumarije Ram |
Hariyaa gailai chaalataam jaise aave gaam ||
1) There are various spiritual practices laid down for God Realization, of these spiritual disciplines, the main is - grace of the saints and great souls and association with them. It has been said in Ramcharitramanas -
Bhakti sutantra sakal such khaani |
Binu satsang na paavahin praani ||
Bhakit taat anu6am such moolaa |
Milayi jo sant hoyi anukoolaa ||
The meeting of such saints is only out of grace of God. Sri Goswamiji says –
Sant bisudh milahin pai tehi |
Chitavahin Ram kripa kari jehi ||
... Binu hari kripa milahin nahin santaa |
... Santsangati sansruti kar antaa ||
Devotion is the name of real love of God. It has been said –
Pannagaari sunu prem sam bhajan na doosar aan |
Asi bichaari puni puni muni karat Ram gun gaan ||
Attainment of such divine love becomes effortless, with association of saints; because where the saints and great souls reside, there the eternal Lord's divine glories, qualities, truths, essential teachings and divine stories are taking place. In their surroundings only these divine activities are going on. The divine stories of the Lord, are the kind that are capable of wiping out the sins of endless births and are capable of giving intense bliss to the heart and the ears. Gains accrue from sacrifices, charity, austerities, religious observances, visiting holy places etc, those disciplines, but these require much effort and result in many virtues, however there are far greater gains than that, in listening to spiritual discourses (satsang). Because by listening to the divine stories of God from a loving saint and great soul, sins are wiped out. By this the inner faculties become very pure, and faith and fondness for the Lotus Feet of the Lord manifests. The saints and great souls who reveal the path of devotion (bhakti marg) are themselves the spiritual guides for the path of devotion. In describing their qualities, it is said in Srimad Bhagwat -
Kripaaluradrutadrohastitikshuh sarvadehinaam |
Satyasaaronavadhyaatma samah sarvopakaarakah ||
Kaamairhatadhirdaanto mruduh shuchirakinchan |
Aneeho mitbhuk shaantah sthiro macchaarano munih ||
Apramatto gabheeraatma drutimaanjitshagunah |
Amaanee maanadah kalpo maitrah kaarunikah kavih ||
(11/11/29/31)
"The devotee of God is compassionate; free from the feelings of animosity; forbearant and joyfully accepts difficulties; lives a life of truth; free of sins; equanimous; a well wisher of all beings; filled with pure intellect that never comes under the sway of desires; highly disciplined; soft natured; pure; free of attachment and sense of "mine-ness" for things; free of wanting those things that are unnecessary and that are to be avoided; non violent in his eating; quiet; stable; dependent on God; deep thinker; free from lust, intoxicants and any negligence "pramaad"; reserve natured; steadfast and perserverent; has attained victory of the six main modifications of the mind - desires, anger, greed, attachment, envy and jealousy; free from wanting honor; but gives honor and respect to all;; eminent in experiential knowledge about the Lord, friendly with all; compassionate and has acquired the knowledge of truth.
Only such a devotee of the Lord, can enter the path of devotion. (to be continued)
From book in Hindi "Jeevan ka Kartavya" By Swami Ramsukhdasji
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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 8th November, 2011 – BHAGWAD BHAKTI KA RAHASYA