Shree Hari
continued
In the path of knowledge a sadhak first understand and then he accepts. In the Path of Devotion, first a sadhak accepts and then he understands. It means that in the Path of Knowledge, discrimination is important, while in devotion, faith – belief is important. This is the difference between the two paths. In each of the two paths there is one singularity. The aspirant following the Path of Knowledge from the very beginning becomes Brahma (the Supreme or the Absolute), he does not get down from that status. But a devotee even on having attained God (perfection) does not become Brahma but Brahma comes within his control. Goswami Tulasidasaji Maharaja having composed all volumes finally composed the Vinaya Patrika in which like a child showing his pettiness and insignificance, he requests Mother Sita to tell Lord Rama about him -
It means that a devotee even on having attained God, always considers himself petty. In fact, on really seeing it is such devotees that are really Jnani (wise). In the Gita the Lord has not called the enlightened exalted soul, who has transcended the three modes of Nature, the man of wisdom, but He has called His devotee the man of wisdom (Gita 7/16-18). The Lord has also not called "sarvavit" (knower of all) to the person who follows the Path of Knowledge but He has called His devotee "sarvavit" "sa sarvavitbhajati maam sarvabhaavena Bharata" (Gita 15/19). Goswami Tulasidasji Maharaja also declares
Prem bhagati jal binu raghuraayi
Abhiantar mal kabahun na jaayi || (Manasa, Uttara 49/3)
Without devotion the internal filth (subtle ego) does not perish. That filth is not an obstacle to salvation, but it creates difference of opinions among philosophers and their philosophical thoughts. When that subtle filth is wiped out, then difference of opinions does not persist. Therefore, a devotee is really a man of wisdom.
The body is not our real self. The body is formed on the earth (in the womb of the mother), walks about on the earth and merges in the earth after death. It will be transformed into three states - ashes or earth or excrement. If it is burnt, it will be turned into ashes, if it is buried, it will become earth, and if beasts eat it, it will become excrement. Therefore the body is not important but there is importance of the formless (unmanifest) self -
Bhumaa achal shaashvat amal sam thos hai tu sarvadaa |
Yah deha hai polaa ghadaa banataa bigadataa hai sadaa ||
Therefore in fact only by becoming formless, a sadhak worships God. (to be continued)
From book "For Salvation of Mankind" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram
*********************************************************
If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 14th November, 2012 (Saadhak kaun Hai?) at http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.com/
****************************************