Hindu Article-Worthwhile pursuit

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Worthwhile pursuit

 

 

 

CHENNAI: The Bhagavata Purana highlights the effectiveness of Bhakti

Marga as a sure path to God realisation. It reinforces the reciprocal

love between God and His devotees. In all His incarnations the Lord

has established a variety of distinctive relationships with them who

in turn only long for His lotus feet. The power of devotion is such

that it confers both Jnana (knowledge) and Vairagya (dispassion),

said Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal in a lecture, for it enables one

to choose the option of seeking the solace derived from surrender to

God to get relief from human bondage.

 

There is ample proof for this in the lives of the many saints and the

pious who have tasted the joy of devotion and experienced God's grace

and magnitude. But this path has its share of challenge as well,

since devotion has to be instilled and nurtured. As in any branch of

learning, sincere involvement, commitment and steadfastness alone can

enable one to grasp the innate power of Bhakti. Listening to the

Lord's auspicious qualities, and constant involvement in devotional

service forms part of the initial exercise. As one gains knowledge of

the astonishing scale of God's greatness that is not only the prime

cause of creation and final destruction, but also permeates,

activates, and sustains each and every aspect of the universe, one's

devotion is strengthened. Then one begins to believe in the truth

behind each of these concepts with unshakable conviction.

 

The sense that one is part of the grand design of the Almighty

influences the devotional quotient in the consciousness. It is when

one begins to be immersed in Bhakti rasa, when one enjoys the sense

of total devotion to the Lord, that one realises that this devotion

is a well placed one. In the process of trying to grasp and

internalise God's amazing powers, one not only learns to forget

oneself and enjoy the taste of God's auspicious qualities, but finds

an unfailing support in His infinite compassion that alone can

alleviate all kinds of sorrow that characterise worldly life. In

addition, it is He alone who can offer the highest goal of

liberation.

 

The Lord is easily won over by the genuine faith and sincerity of His

devotees. In this quest, the more one delves, the more meaningful and

fruitful is the haul.

 

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