LalithA SahasranAma [118] BhaktipriyA

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BhaktipriyA : Delighting in Devotion

 

Bhakti is of two kinds, a primary [mykhya] and secondary [gauna];

primary devotion is a particular mental modification

called `longing' direction towards Isvara. The BhaktimimAmsA-sutra

[sandilya-sUtra, I. 2] says, "It [devotion] is supreme longing for

the lord." Supreme [pArA] indicates according to the commentator

that there is another kind [secondary] of devotion. The secondary

devotion is in the form of servicee [to Lord] as described in a

Sutra [i. 20], "the attainment of concentration is by gauni". The

Garuda Pr. Says, "The root bhaj is repeated in the service; so

service is declared by the wise to be an important means [of

reaching the Lord]."

 

There are many kinds of devotion, such as remembering, pronouncing

the name of God etc. The Aditya and Garuda Prs, say, "The devotion

is of eight kinds, even if found in a barbarian [mleccha] he is best

of BrAhmanas, he is a SamnyAsin, he is prosperous, he is an ascetic

and he is a learned man,"etc.

 

The Visnu BhAg. Pr. Says, "there are nine kinds of devotion." The

Br. Naradiya Pr. Says, "Ten kinds of devotion should be known, they

are like a conflagration to the forest of sin." So there are many

kinds of Bhakti like the above which should be known. All these are

here included in the word Bhakti. The Siva Pr. Says, "What can

mortals do for me who is [ever]satisfied and who has accomplished

his end; but [the devotees] whatever they do [by devotion]

externally or internally, I receive."

 

 

BhAskararAya's commentary

Translated into English by R. Ananthakrishna Sastry