Paths of Devotion

[Guest guest]

PATHS OF DEVOTION

 

Many are the paths leading to liberation. Though the paths are many, the

ultimate goal is the same. From time immemorial the Bhakti marga has been

peculiarly suited to the genius of the Indian masses. Hence it is that

devotion has a special appeal to all classes of people in India and legion

are the saints who came under the all-pervading influence of devotion and

have trodden this golden path of spirituality, immortality and liberation.

These saints have left behind them foot prints on the sands of time,

indelible land marks for the guidance of faltering humanity to traverse this

steep and rugged path of devotion. One of these perfected men is Sri Sadguru

Samartha Ramdas, the great saint of Maharashtra. He has laid down the

following types of devotion:

 

The first is Sravana, i.e., hearing spiritual knowledge. This is the

foundation of all spiritual life and the quintessence of a devotee's very

being. He must listen daily, hourly, throughout his life, the attributes,

praises and the name of God till at last the complete meaning of what he

hears becomes part and parcel of his consciousness.

 

Kirtana, i. e., singing the praise of God develops spirituality not only of

the person who performs but also of those who listen. Riches and women are

capricious allurements in this path. Music and play of the instruments

should not make one forget God, but they should be aids to intensify one's

zealous devotion and celestial joy.

 

Smarana, i. e., remembering the name of God is another aid to spiritual

progress. All spiritual knowledge is revealed knowledge and we can only get

it through the grace of a Sadguru. By constantly meditating on the name of

God, apart from overcoming all difficulties on the path, we can realize God

with delirious ecstasy.

 

Pada Sevana, i.e., resorting to the feet of the Guru is a means of spiritual

development. If this is not physically possible, we must mentally prostrate

ourselves at the feet of the Guru with reverence and humility.

 

Archana, i. e., worship of God is another type of devotion. This is real or

mental worship of the various images of God and offering Him the best things

of life, with deep yearning after God realization.

 

Namaskara is the same as archana, i. e., bowing down or prostrating

ourselves before God or God-like persons. This entails such noble qualities

as humility, dedication, worship, surrender and patient waiting with hope

and faith for the grace of God.

 

Dasya, i. e., service of God is possible in two ways, either through doing

service which will turn the people towards God or rendering service to

bhaktas is really service to God.

 

Sakhyata, i. e., friendship of God is a type of devotion which is most

difficult to practise. Human friendship rests on a compromise of give and

take policy, whereas friendship with God is uncompromising determination to

give all and lose all, if need be. Our human friends may desert us in times

of need, but God, though He appears indifferent to our sacrifices, really

watches over us with kindness. To an impatient devotee it would appear that

God does not reciprocate our love. He leaves us uncared for and

disappointed. Such a devotee will become angry with God and even hate Him

because our little desires are not fulfilled. God's friendship is undying,

enduring and everlasting.

 

His grace is perennial. If there are disappointments and difficulties, we

must suffer them calmly and courageously. Suffering and disappointments form

an integral part of spiritual life. Without them spiritual life is not

tested. The key to achieve the friendship of God is with the devotee alone.

God, being the innermost reality, is enshrined in our heart and is the

breath of our life. We must have firm faith and love towards God. All our

thoughts, feelings and actions have their reflection in God. The more

sincere and truthful we are the more are we drawn near and bound to God.

Then God becomes more than Mother, Father or Friend to us.

 

Atma Nivedana, i. e., the annihilation of the self or ego and achieving

unity with God. This is the crowning glory of devotional

life. Though there are several ways to gain this unity with God, the best

means is through constant meditation on pure ideas about God. Impure ideas

are got rid of. Then dualism yields to the dawn of advaitic experience.

Through this intuitive perception the Sadhaka is drawn towards God with

magnetic fascination. Every moment of his life he will feel the compelling

and dominating influence of God and will ultimately merge in Him. Sri Sai

Baba of Shirdi was one such saint who lived in holy communion with God every

moment of his life. May he inspire us to tread this righteous path of

devotion with concentrated vigour fearless integrity and dauntless

Om Shanti! Shanti!! Shantihi

 

Saint Sayings

When you undertake anything, carry it out thoroughly or do not

undertake it.

Fate is more powerful than human effort.

Ambition destroys the understanding of men

Where there is Dharma, there sorely will be Victory

A heart full of hate can know no contentment. Hate is a cruel fire.

Not by studying any sastra does mart become wise. It is by association with

the great in Wisdom that he gets-wisdom.

Courage is man’s salvation in danger.

 

H. H. SWAMY KESAVAIAHJI'S SELECTIONS

 

(Adopted from the Book Pearls of Wisdom by His Holiness Swami Kesavaiahji)