Hindu Article-Merit of devotion

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Merit of devotion

 

CHENNAI : The Supreme Being in His incarnation as Krishna while

teaching Arjuna on the battlefield (the Bhagavad Gita) spelt out

clearly that He engaged in action in the world during His

manifestations to set an example for humanity. This was to emphasise

the fact that Karma (action) was the fulcrum on which both Dharma and

the goal of liberation revolved. It is not possible for one born in

this world to desist from action and hence it becomes imperative to

understand how to act correctly — Karma yoga by which action will not

bind.

 

Sankara in his Upadesa Panchakam emphasises the importance of

discharging one's duties (Karma) as enjoined in the Vedas because

this is the way to cleanse the mind of its latent tendencies. Only

such a purified mind can grasp spiritual knowledge, which will lead

to realisation of the Self. He emphasises that a spiritual seeker

will be able to fulfil the four prerequisites to undertake scriptural

study only by doing all the prescribed injunctions. This has been

illustrated in the Bhagavata Purana through the life of Swayambhuva

Manu and other Manus. The Lord Himself manifested in this lineage and

taught the truth as Yajna and Kapila through devotion and wisdom

respectively.

 

In his discourse, Sri C.L.Ramakrishnan said it was while Suka was

narrating the life of the descendants of the Manus that Pareekshit

was reminded about how Gajendra was saved by the Lord when it called

out to Him. The reason why the king intervened and requested the sage

to tell him about Gajendra's liberation was to underscore the

efficacy of chanting the divine name as the means to liberation in

this Kali age. Pareekshit's manner of articulation highlights its

importance, "We long to hear from you the story of how Sri Hari

delivered the king of elephants seized by an alligator. That alone of

all stories is highly sacred, praiseworthy, conducive to blessedness

and auspicious, in which Lord Sri Hari of excellent renown is

celebrated."

 

The Narayaneeyam right at the outset notes that devotion results

naturally when one immerses oneself in the joy of listening to the

stories of the Lord's deeds and bestows spiritual knowledge without

much effort. Hence devotion is considered superior to the paths of

action and wisdom. Bhattatiri says such a devotee is the most

fortunate.

 

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