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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Characteristics of a true devotee

 

CHENNAI, DEC. 21. The term ``devotion'' has been described in

holy works from different angles. The essence of it, in simple

manner, will be that it represents perfection of humility and

ardent service to God and His messengers and also extinction of

one's ego and ill-will. It should not be mistaken with the

display of mere emotional rapture. Then, what will be the

definition of a sincere ``devotee''? This too has been stated

clearly, namely that he is one who has clear understanding of his

relationship with the Almighty and that the bond that exists

between the two is permanent. He should hold on to the feet of

one God alone without switching his loyalty to various deities. A

devotee will assiduously carry out Divine commands, will not do

any act which will displease God, will be His servant always and

will attend on spiritual guides.

 

This relationship between the Supreme Being and the individual

soul (human being) will never be allowed to be snapped. Unlike

the steps taken by a father to groom his son and the latter

expressing his gratitude, which acts are merely temporary, the

tie between God and His devotees will be unbroken forever. The

essential requirement of the latter is to shed his ego. Saint

Appar has said even as a snake bites a person, ego stings him

resulting in aberration in his behaviour. Secondly, as a servant,

he should demonstrate how he is always dependent on the Almighty.

Poet Kamban has pointed out how Rama (God in the form of human

being) followed Sage Viswamitra and how Lakshmana dutifully

attended on Him. ``I serve Him to please Him'' were his words.

Likewise a sincere devotee should declare pleading with God, ``I

want only You and none else and nothing else''.

 

Prof. V. Rathinasabapathy, in a lecture, referred to the measures

made available to the aspirant as to how to reach the goal of

life. The utterance of ``Mantras'' enables him to meditate and

visualise God. Sri Pamban Swamigal, in one of his works, ``Kumara

Sthavam'' has given one such valuable recipe to experience the

presence of God within. A fine comparison of God-soul ties is

that of a driver of a train whose duty is to keep it on the

track. If a change in the route is needed, that can be done only

by pointsman who will manipulate the lever and divert the train's

course. The saint explains how God treats all alike giving

opportunities for all to come to him, how He is impartial and how

He cares more for downtrodden who have not gained enough

spiritual knowledge and remain at a lower level, to climb to

higher stages, even as a mother, amongst all children will be

more concerned about the handicapped or the retarded one. It is a

devotee's duty to develop detachment and gradually give up

desires.

 

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