Pujya Ramsukhdasji Maharaj

[Guest guest]

Means and the End of Devotion

 

" Arjuna, in this world two courses of spiritual discipline have been

enunciated by Me. In the case of Sankhyayoga, the practice proceeds

along the path of knowledge, whereas in the case of Karmayoga, it

proceeds along the path of action. " (Gita 3:3)

 

" Yokesmindvividhaa nistha puraa proktaah mayanedh

Jnana yogen saankhyaanaam karmayogen yoginaam. " (Gita 3:3)

 

Karmayoga (Path of Selfless Service) and Jnaanayoga (Path of

Knowledge) - both are called " laukik nishthaa " (aimed towards this

world and human aspects). But in Bhaktiyoga (Path of Love and

Devotion), a devotee totally depends on only God. He has a firm

position about not depending in the least bit on other beings and

this world. He is immersed in God. So Bhaktiyoga is called " Alaukik "

(transcedental) . In Bhaktiyoga, God is the means (Saadhan) and He

is the end (Saadhya). Therefore it has been declared in Srimad

Bhaagavad 11:3:31, " Bhaktyaa sajyaatayaa bhaktyaa, " i.e. with

devotion is born devotion.

 

1) Listening to scriptures (shravana),

2) Loud chanting of the holy name of God (kritana),

3) Remembering and recollectiong God and His pastimes (smarana),

4) Reverence and touching the Lotus feet of the Lord (paadasevan) ,

5) Adoration and worship of God (archan),

6) Prostration (vandan),

7) Sentiment of service (daasya),

8) Sentiment of friendship (sakhya), and

9) Sentiment of self-surrender (aatmanivedan)

 

These nine kinds of spiritual practices for devotion are the means

(Saadhan). And beyond these nine, is the divine love and devotion

which is the end (Saadhya). This divine love and devotion is the end

(saadhya) of all spiritual practices, including Karmayoga and

Jnanayoga. This divine love and devotion which is the ultimate

essence (saadhya) is what is to be attained.