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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/15/stories/2002031500370800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Different stages of devotion to God

 

 

 

CHENNAI, MARCH 15. Devotion as a path to realising God (Bhakti yoga) is used as

a common name for different types of spiritual practices in the Bhagavad Gita.

The paths of action (Karma yoga) and knowledge (Jnana yoga) are included in it

as devotion is required at all stages of spiritual life. Why does Lord Krishna

dilate on this elaborately? There is a general misconception that these three

means to liberation are different. That even a mundane activity like exercising

to keep the body fit because it is an instrument to undertake spiritual practice

is devotion if seen in the holistic perspective. There is no activity or thing

that is not linked to God in this creation and this understanding itself is

devotion. The devotee includes himself in the larger scheme of God's creation.

 

The man of wisdom has the capacity to be one with God. This is the highest level

and if this is not possible the next step will be to see the Lord in all forms

that are manifest. Even if this is difficult to attain, the spiritual aspirant

must try to be devoted to at least one form of God. These three levels are

intended for one who has developed the capacity of meditation. But, in the

world, there are those who cannot practise meditation. Out of concern for them

Lord Krishna says, "If you are not capable of practising concentration, then

devote yourself wholeheartedly to works of service to Me consisting in external

worship and discharge of duties for My sake. Thus working for Me, you can attain

to perfection."

 

In her discourse, Swamini Satyavratananda Saraswati said out of concern for the

majority who could not perform even selfless service the Lord has prescribed

offering the fruits of actions to Him. By this process the devotee recognises

that God is the real agent and enjoyer thereby enabling him to remember God in

all his actions. This stage is the first level of devotion. In spiritual life

one is considered wealthy if one remembers God all the time. Adversity sets in

the moment a person forgets that he belongs to God. The fundamental bond between

God and His creation must never be forgotten. As everything belongs to Him

ultimately, the feeling of ownership or possessiveness about material things and

relations will only result in anxieties. Thus even the thought that everything

one enjoys belongs to God is spiritually beneficial. This requires mental

alertness on the part of the spiritual aspirant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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