Hindu Article-Hallmark of devotion

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Hallmark of devotion

CHENNAI: If the Supreme Being incarnates from time to time to protect

Dharma and destroy those who transgress its code, preceptors have

been responsible for propagating Dharma through their explanations

and interpretations of the recondite Vedas that assert the eternal

truths.

Adi Sankara's role at a time when Hinduism had fallen into decadence,

assumes tremendous significance as he stressed the importance of the

Vedas, restored their study and established the Advaita philosophy.

He highlighted scriptural truths for the common man in an easy way so

that the forces of ignorance and selfishness could be overcome. He

disproved the misconceptions that regarded the performance of

sacrifices ordained in the Vedas as the ultimate goal of life, and

convincingly established that the practice of Karma Yoga and not

merely sacrifices, and worship of the Lord with sincere devotion

could be a sure route to salvation, said Sri B. Damodara Dikshitar in

a lecture.

His devotional hymns such as Sivanandalahari (in praise of Siva),

Kanakadara Stotram (Lakshmi), Soundaryalahari (Parvati) or Bhaja

Govindam (Lord Narayana), are inspirational in fostering Bhakti that

leads to Jnana.

Adi Sankara reiterates that sincerity is the one and only hallmark of

Bhakti. It is only when the devotee begins to comprehend the glory

and boundless compassion of the Lord that unflinching devotion takes

root. The devotion felt in one's heart is what the Lord looks for and

accepts. There is no need to go in search of flowers in the

mountains, lakes or forests.

Bhakti does not depend on what form one possesses — human being,

animal, bird, mosquito or even worm — but demands that the mind

continues to be steeped in divine thoughts.

Nor does one's state (sanyasi, householder, or one who renounces

after family life) or one's place (mountain top, water, inside or

outside the house) determine Bhakti.

If a devotee pursues his daily chores with the spirit that he is

working on behalf of the Lord with absolute faith, he attains peace

and rests assured that the Lord takes care of all.

The awareness that with the Lord's grace alone that one is able to

remain devoted is the true Jnana that confers absolute humility and

faith.

 

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