Fwd: Divine Traits

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Hare Krsna! Hare Krsna! Hare Krsna!

 

In Shri Gitaji, it is said - "Devi Sampadvimokshaay Nibandhaayaasuri mataa""Divine traits are for salvation, whereas demoniac traits are for bondage."In this verse, "divine" does not point to devtaa (demi-god) instead it points to Paramatma (Bhagwan, God). Traits belonging to Bhagwan (God) are themselves divine. Just like, from worldly wealth, we can get worldly things, similarly divine traits can make one attain Paramatma. In Gita 16:1-3, there are 26 divine properties (traits, qualities). We must try to bring these traits (properties) in ourselves. There are two kinds of people in this world – one kind that gives importance to noble conduct and good character. The other kind, that gives primary importance to worship of Bhagwan and relationship with Bhagwan. The first category

says, that where is the need for the relationship with God, for the worship of God? The character and conduct should be proper, as that is most important and only these attain respect in this world. But those that belong to the second category, those that take shelter of Bhagwan, they naturally possess Bhagwan's divine traits. They don't have to make any special effort to cultivate them. Those in whom in spite of devotion and worship of Bhagwan, if these divine traits are few and far between, then it means that their aim is not Bhagwan (God), but worldly enjoyments and material possessions. Without Bhagwan it is very difficult to cultivate any goodness, good conduct and good inner intentions; because if the Source (Paramatma) is not present, then who will they depend on? (God is the root of the tree with

goodness as its branches. Without the root how will the branches survive?). Therefore at all times remember Bhagwan. Make it a point to definitely remember God at the beginning and end of every work (action) you do. While working if you don't remember God, then there is no harm; because at that time, due to being engrossed in that activity, neither Paramatma is remembered, nor the world. The natural tendencies are engaged only in that activity. But at the completion of that activity, remember Bhagwan, thus by doing so, all work will become Bhagwan's work. If you carefully remember God at the beginning and end of every activity then all your work will become God's worship. By thinking of God, taking His shelter goodness automatically manifests. We don't even come to know and this goodness flourishes in us.Lord Ram said to Shabari in the forest – "Navdha Bhagati Kahaoon Tohi Paahi. Saavdhaan Sunu Dharu Mana Maahi""I will tell you the nine-fold devotion. Listen to it carefully and hold on to them"Then after describing all kinds of devotion Lord says - "Sakal Prakaar Bhagati Dradh Tore""Every kind of devotion is firmly rooted in you"Just now Lord enjoined Shabari to listen and apply the nine-fold devotion and now He says "Every kind of devotion is firmly rooted in you." Then earlier why did he say to hold on, to assume, to acquire these traits? By constantly following, by implicit reliance, firmness, steadfastness, one develops unyielding strength of direction. It implies that Shabari's life is molded in the nine-fold devotion, but she is unaware of the nine-fold devotion steps. She is in constant worship and devotion, but not one who gives spiritual discourses.

Innately and naturally, devotion and worship has come in her. By remembering Bhagwaan, and reciting His Name, all divine traits come naturally, without any invitation, unknowingly. Therefore, the first thing in divine traits is remembering Bhagwan, surrendering to Him, taking His shelter, living always happily in His kingdom, believing everything to be His grace, depending on Him alone, and remaining full of enthusiasm at all times. Whatever situations you encounter believe it to be a product of God's immense grace. There are three obstacles in doing so, which must be givev up – desire, anger and greed. `I want this' `I want that' this is called "desire" (Kaam). When this desire of hoarding increases manifold it is called "greed" (lobh) and when anyone creates a roadblocks in fulfilling these desires, it leads to "anger" (krodh). Vacate yourself of these three demoniac traits. Relinquish

these three, to make way for divine traits in you.The bottom line is - `Always remember God'. In Gita 7:15 and Gita 9:11-12) Bhagwan said `People having demoniac and vile nature, do not adore Me, rather they despise Me' whereas in Gita 9:13-14, He said `The great souls who have adopted divine nature knowing Me as prime source and immortal, always worship Me with love and single-minded devotion." To distinguish between these two traits, God explained Gita - Chapter 16.By taking God's support all divine endowments come in us automatically and naturally. "Jimi sadgun sajjan pahin aavaa." By God's worship and devotion, the greatest and best of all qualities and traits will come naturally and automatically. Do every work enthusiastically, being dependent on Him alone(Bhagwan' s hand above your head). Believing that the word is being ordained by Him, believing in His blessings, remain ever

happy and joyful (on cloud nine). This itself is worship (bhajan). Then all goodness will automatically manifest in you.