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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/04/29/stories/2002042900080800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Characteristics of a man of wisdom

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 29

 

.. Devotion to God (Bhakti yoga) evolves through five distinct stages. The

beginning stage of devotion is characterised by desire as the devotee turns to

God with prayer for the fulfilment of some desire. This is subsumed under Karma

yoga because the aspirant has the attitude that he is performing action for

God's sake and enjoying the result as His grace. What is expected of a spiritual

aspirant at this stage is that he should remember God in all his actions. Under

this category one can say that any devotee displays this kind of devotion. The

devotee progresses to the next stage of devotion when he performs all actions

for the sake of the Lord and others, and not for his own edification. This is

due to the mental maturity that his welfare is subsumed in the well being of all

and also the total acceptance of Divine will. This is termed as Nishkama karma

and results in purification of the latent tendencies of the mind.

 

In her discourse, Swamini Satyavratananda Saraswati said the whole of Vedanta

could be subsumed under the five stages of Bhakti yoga. During the first two

stages the aspirant is extroverted as he is active in life, working both for

himself and for others in society. In the third stage of spiritual evolution the

devotee becomes introverted. He develops devotion exclusively to one particular

form of God, while the fourth level is marked by the insight that all forms are

of one and the same God. Such a devotee sees God everywhere and displays the

best form of devotion, as he does not impose limitations on God due to his

preferences. The final stage is the devotion to the Absolute formless aspect of

God born out of wisdom, which is the culmination of spiritual evolution. Until

this is realised devotion remains incomplete and every individual has to

progress to this level if not in this life, then in future births.

 

As there is no guarantee of human birth in the next life, an earnest spiritual

seeker must never lose the opportunity of this birth to attain the acme of

devotion. The Bhagavad Gita elaborates on the characteristics of such a man of

wisdom (Jnani). He has overcome ego, possessiveness, attachment, malice,

depression, fear, worry, sorrow and desire. He is endowed with qualities like

friendliness, compassion, forbearance, contentment, calmness, cleanliness,

self-control, efficiency and equanimity of mind. While a man of wisdom is

naturally endowed with these traits, a spiritual seeker has to consciously

cultivate them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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