Hindu Article-The way to constant devotion

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The way to constant devotion

CHENNAI, FEB. 18. When on occasions it may appear that those who

indulge in non-virtuous acts continue to flourish, how is it possible

to adopt a way of life close to dharma? A person may feel that all of

us possess awareness of the dos and don'ts, yet we are not any closer

to our goal.

When a devotee supplicates himself to the Supreme Being, He will come

forward to receive him, said Sri. P.M. Vijayaraghava Sastrigal in his

discourse. The state of supreme devotional ecstasy is the ultimate

outcome when bhakthi matures; however, such a desirable state cannot

result from half-hearted attempts. Rather, aspirants should bring to

bear a multi-directional approach, resulting in God awareness.

Prahlada, the ultimate devotee, while discoursing on the supremacy of

devotion, highlighted the importance of the six-limbed devotional

discipline, including salutation, praise, dedication of all thoughts,

words and deeds to Him, hearing and remembering His divine sports and

manifestations; without such a training, one cannot expect to achieve

that state of constant devotion. A trained mechanic or a doctor by

profession will always be in a position to render help even in

emergency situations.

A king once asked nine wise men the ways by which even persons of

gross intellect can equip themselves better as per devotional

doctrine. According to Parabuddha, one of the nine sages, a seeker

should learn to dedicate all his actions to God, and should offer all

that is his to the Lord — including his sacrifices, his charity, his

children, and his very being — in order to emerge from the veil of

illusion.

A devotee should also learn to see the presence of the Lord in every

facet of life, be well versed in the holy texts, refrain from

cavilling at the sacred works of others, and cultivate the friendship

of holy men who constantly meditate upon the Lord. True indulgence

comes from being enthralled by the divine sports and deeds of the

Supreme Being. To succeed in his spiritual quest, a man should also

seek out a good preceptor.

Great teachers do not impart knowledge or wisdom for any other

consideration except that of a true disciple. The nascent devotion in

a person cannot be wrought by any extraneous force but by self-

exertion. Wise men often state that the unchanging entity that He is,

the Supreme is present at all times, in every state of every action

of man, but He also remains unaffected by the same. It is for

individuals to identify this divinity within, rather than look for

external proof of existence.

 

 

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