fwd: Devotion can be practised by all

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Devotion can be practised by all

 

24-12-1997 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c

 

Cl: Religion

 

CHENNAI, Dec. 24.

 

The scriptures prescribe many methods for

realising God to suit the nature of different

individuals. But, broadly they are all classified

under four paths - Jnana, Karma, Bhakti and

Raja yogas. Jnana yoga is the path of knowledge

involving the study of scriptural texts and the

method of enquiry. Karma yoga is the

performance of all actions without expectation of

results as duty and Raja yoga, the practice of

meditation.

 

All these paths require the sustained effort of the

spiritual aspirant and if one takes into

consideration the observance of these paths in this

modern age, one can with certainty say that only a

very few will be able to follow them strictly. If this

is so, then the question arises whether the spiritual

path and the goal of liberation are meant only for

a select few. Is the scripture silent and

unconcerned about the majority of people

wallowing in Samsara? Certainly not.

 

Human birth itself is a gift given to man by God

for the sake of realising the end of liberation.

Hence the scriptures with great concern have

devised many methods only with the intention of

bringing this goal within the reach of every

individual. The path of devotion (Bhakti yoga)

had been prescribed as an easy alternative to the

paths of Jnana, Karma and Raja yogas, said Sri

Muralidhara Swami in his discourse.

 

One should not have the misconception that the

spiritual goal can be attained only by Vedantic

enquiry and meditation. The same end can be

attained by devotion to God, because in this case

the Almighty Himself undertakes the responsibility

of His devotee's spiritual progress. This fact is

stressed in the scriptures and also can be seen in

the lives of great devotees and saints like

Bhodendra and Sadguru Swamigal, who realised

God through the path of devotion.

 

So one must have the goal of liberation always in

mind and orient all actions towards this goal.

Otherwise, human life will be no different from

that of animals and other living creatures. The

path one adopts to realise the spiritual goal must

have scriptural sanction. Everyone can adopt the

path of Bhakti without any difficulty and by doing

so, one does not stand to lose anything in the

process. Even if one fails to realise God in this

birth, there is at least the certainty that one's

Karma will be greatly mitigated.

 

Devotion can become steadfast by cultivating the

company of saints and devotees. Satsangh

ensures that the mind does not get distracted by

worldly attractions. The grace of the Guru is the

most important factor in spiritual life and the Guru

comes into the life of the spiritual aspirant when

devotion to God becomes steady.

 

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email: shree

satsangh: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8891/

bhajans: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4637/