Hindu Article-Devotional discipline

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Devotional discipline

 

 

 

CHENNAI: Human nature being what it is, it is not easy to remain

unaffected by joy or sorrow. One sure way of developing equanimity is

to turn one's mind towards God and cultivate Bhakti, said Sri B.

Sundarkumar in a discourse, for thoughts about God can smother the

sorrows and pain that are associated with worldly existence.

 

This is the truth that has been experienced by the many saints and

devout who have crossed the trouble-laden life through their sheer

devotion and faith in the grace of the divine. Just as assistance

offered to a person struggling to lift a heavy weight makes the task

easier, constant thoughts about God can easily lighten the burden of

life for human beings buffeted around by the momentary yet strong

forces of joy and sorrow.

 

The unflinching belief that God is one's most powerful ally is the

greatest asset for an individual. Since God's response to sincere

devotion is exemplary, a unique relationship is fostered between God

and the true devotee. Ultimately the devotee begins to long for

liberation from worldly existence, and develops a detached attitude.

 

The Bhagavata Purana mentions the following nine modes of devotional

discipline — "Sravanam (hearing narratives of the glorious deeds of

the Lord), Kirtanam (chanting His name), Smaranam (remembering Him

constantly), Padasevanam (serving Him), Archanam (worshipping Him),

Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), Dasyam (practising the role of a

servant of His), Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend) and

Atmanivedhanam (surrendering oneself totally to Him) — that can be

practised by spiritual aspirants to remain focussed on God.

 

Narayana Bhattatri, who was afflicted with a crippling disease,

composed the divine hymn Narayaneeyam that celebrates the

compassionate power of divine grace that can help human beings

overcome Samsara.

 

Being too well aware of the pain and sorrows of this world, this

devotee vouches that thoughts about God can be a great help to tackle

the problems, both physical and mental. The path of devotion is

founded on a deep-rooted love for God, dispassion and knowledge of

the truth of the Supreme One.

 

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