Paths of Devotion

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Paths of Devotion

By His Holiness Swami Kesavaiahji

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

footprints 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 realise 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 person. This entails such noble

qualities as humility, dedication, total surrender and patients waiting with

hope and faith for the grace of God.

(to be contd……)