Guest guest Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 Dear all, I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is the following: The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam, Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atma-nivedanam. Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. { The nine disciplines are, (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting hymns in His praise), (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His servant), (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend) and (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself totally to Him).’ " If devotion marked by any of these nine features is practised by a person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the highest form of learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in answer to a query from his father Hiranya-kasipu. The examples of these 9 different modes of Bhakti are: Examples for these are : " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat Vaiyasakih keerthane Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh Prithuh Poojane. Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha sakhye Arjunah Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe viduh. (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage Suka in extolling, Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the service of the Lotus feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in respectful salutation, Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, Mahabali in total surrender. These devotees are well-known for their exclusiveness in the methods of worship.) It is said that it is the easiest in the Kaliyuga to attain the Lord, as what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, in the Treta-yuga by sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, etc., the same is achieved by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one need not resort to stringent austerities like fasting, spending money and energy and visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is Lord Guruvayoorappan residing in one's own heart (Hridaya-pundareekam), concentrate on Him and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and devotion. Regards KVG. balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > HARI AUM > > I remember having read in this group about the various > forms of worship. While going through the Chapter 12 > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has suggested > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed to > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt Saroja > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more vale > too. > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more active > and hence more knowledge in this area will be quite > interesting. > > Regards > > Balagopal > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > Send instant messages to your online friends > http://in.messenger. > > > > > Om Namo Narayanaya: > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Hare Krshna, Nava vidha bhakthi as prescribed by Prahlaad maharaj could be the types or levals of bhakti. About qualities mentioned in Bhagavat Geetha could be verse as folows. Amaanitwam adambithwam, ahimsa ksanthir aarjavam, Acharyopaasanam, soucham, sthyryam aathmavinigraha, Indriyardheshu vairyagyam, anahankaaram eevacha,....... Chapter 13 text 8th to 12th. his is lists what ever can be called jnaanam. Also Krshna adds there any thing other than this is Ajnaanam. ''Etajjaanam ithi proktham, Ajnaanam ethatho anyadha''. Pranaam, Jayachandra Kaimal. I balagopal ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote: HARI AUMI remember having read in this group about the variousforms of worship. While going through the Chapter 12of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has suggestedmany qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed topractise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our members can throw some light on these aspects.Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt SarojaRamanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more valetoo.As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more activeand hence more knowledge in this area will be quiteinteresting.RegardsBalagopalNARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANASend instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger. Why was V. Sehwag warned by the BCCI? Share your knowledge on Answers India Send instant messages to your online friends - NOW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2006 Report Share Posted May 18, 2006 HARI AUM Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, Thanks a miu for the timely reply. Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us -Following any of the nine disciplines what are the necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple terms somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall strive for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of detachment etc. The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough to realise the self . Hence we tend to do only namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures and acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow is reluctant. Regards Balagopal NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv wrote: > Dear all, > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is the > following: > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam, > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atma-nivedanam. > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. > > { The nine disciplines are, > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting hymns > in His praise), > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His servant), > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend) > and > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself totally to > Him).’ > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine features is > practised by a > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the > highest form of > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in answer > to a query from his > father Hiranya-kasipu. > > The examples of these 9 different modes of Bhakti > are: > > Examples for these are : > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat Vaiyasakih > keerthane > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh > Prithuh Poojane. > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha sakhye > Arjunah > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > viduh. > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage > Suka in extolling, > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the > service of the Lotus > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in > respectful salutation, > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, Mahabali > in total surrender. > These devotees are well-known for their > exclusiveness in the methods of > worship.) > > It is said that it is the easiest in the Kaliyuga to > attain the Lord, as > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, in > the Treta-yuga by > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, etc., > the same is achieved > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one > need not resort to > stringent austerities like fasting, spending money > and energy and > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is Lord > Guruvayoorappan > residing in one's own heart (Hridaya-pundareekam), > concentrate on Him > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and > devotion. > > Regards > KVG. > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > HARI AUM > > > > I remember having read in this group about the > various > > forms of worship. While going through the Chapter > 12 > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has > suggested > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed > to > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our > > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt > Saroja > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > vale > > too. > > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more > active > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be > quite > > interesting. > > > > Regards > > > > Balagopal > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > http://in.messenger. > > > > > > > > > > Om Namo Narayanaya: > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2006 Report Share Posted May 18, 2006 Om Namo Narayanaya!! In this context, I have a doubt, that has been bothering me for a while. What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or Samadhi? Is it devotion to God or knowledge of the self? Or is it both? In other words, does devotion lead us to understanding the Truth or understanding the supreme through scriptures and meditation, generates devotion in us? guruvayur , balagopal ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote: > > HARI AUM > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply. > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are the > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple terms > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall strive > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > detachment etc. > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough to > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures and > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow is > reluctant. > > > Regards > > Balagopal > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv > wrote: > > > Dear all, > > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is the > > following: > > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam, > > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atma-nivedanam. > > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. > > > > { The nine disciplines are, > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), > > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting hymns > > in His praise), > > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), > > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), > > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), > > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His servant), > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend) > > and > > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself totally to > > Him).' > > > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine features is > > practised by a > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the > > highest form of > > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in answer > > to a query from his > > father Hiranya-kasipu. > > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of Bhakti > > are: > > > > Examples for these are : > > > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat Vaiyasakih > > keerthane > > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh > > Prithuh Poojane. > > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha sakhye > > Arjunah > > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > > viduh. > > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage > > Suka in extolling, > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the > > service of the Lotus > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in > > respectful salutation, > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, Mahabali > > in total surrender. > > These devotees are well-known for their > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > worship.) > > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the Kaliyuga to > > attain the Lord, as > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, in > > the Treta-yuga by > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, etc., > > the same is achieved > > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one > > need not resort to > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending money > > and energy and > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is Lord > > Guruvayoorappan > > residing in one's own heart (Hridaya-pundareekam), > > concentrate on Him > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and > > devotion. > > > > Regards > > KVG. > > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > > > HARI AUM > > > > > > I remember having read in this group about the > > various > > > forms of worship. While going through the Chapter > > 12 > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has > > suggested > > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed > > to > > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our > > > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > > > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt > > Saroja > > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > > vale > > > too. > > > > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more > > active > > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be > > quite > > > interesting. > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Balagopal > > > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > http://in.messenger. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Om Namo Narayanaya: > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2006 Report Share Posted May 18, 2006 Hari OM! Dear all, Devotion is the best way of attaining Mukthi, ---Narada Bhakthi Sutras. Because Devotion is the only method where there is no room for vanity, Devotion without knowledge is fanaticism! So knowledge is necessary, But only mere knowledge vanity the ego comes out. one may say Hey I finished Upanishad... Srimad Bhagawad Geetha almost finishing...... Most important is, did Geetha finished our vanity or not???? So after learning Vedanta from a Sadguru, it is better to learn Puranas, not the other way round. Emotional devotion is good to a certain extend but Devotion and knowledge are the wings of the same bird. only one wing it is very difficult to fly and reach the destination. A devotee wanted to know more and more about his own ishtadevata in whichever form HE/SHE is. and it develops an interest for knowledge. As said in Narada Bhakthi Sutra. Who ever goes to the Palace is not King's most trusted Courtier.or trusted person like wise whoever goes to the temple is not a devotee. And whoever not going to temple is not an Atheist! Hare Guruvayurappa! Karunya Moorthe. Ahamkaram ellathakkane Unni Kanna! With Love & OM! Krishna Prasad On 5/18/06, rsunitaa <rsunitaa wrote: Om Namo Narayanaya!!In this context, I have a doubt, that has been bothering me for a while. What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or Samadhi? Is it devotion to God or knowledge of the self? Or is it both? In other words, does devotion lead us to understanding the Truth or understanding the supreme through scriptures and meditation, generates devotion in us? guruvayur , balagopal ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote: >> HARI AUM> > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna,> > Thanks a miu for the timely reply.> > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us> -Following any of the nine disciplines what are the > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall> apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple terms> somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall strive> for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > detachment etc.> > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly> said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough to> realise the self . Hence we tend to do only> namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures and > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow is> reluctant.> > > Regards> > Balagopal> > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA> > > > --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv > wrote:> > > Dear all,> > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is the> > following:> > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam,> > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atma-nivedanam.> > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24.> > > > { The nine disciplines are, > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits),> > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting hymns> > in His praise),> > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet),> > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him),> > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him),> > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His servant), > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend)> > and> > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself totally to> > Him).'> > > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine features is > > practised by a > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the> > highest form of > > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in answer> > to a query from his > > father Hiranya-kasipu.> > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of Bhakti> > are:> > > > Examples for these are :> > > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat Vaiyasakih > > keerthane> > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh> > Prithuh Poojane.> > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha sakhye> > Arjunah> > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > > viduh.> > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage> > Suka in extolling, > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the> > service of the Lotus > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in> > respectful salutation, > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, Mahabali> > in total surrender. > > These devotees are well-known for their > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > worship.)> > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the Kaliyuga to> > attain the Lord, as > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, in > > the Treta-yuga by > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, etc.,> > the same is achieved > > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one> > need not resort to > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending money> > and energy and > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is Lord> > Guruvayoorappan > > residing in one's own heart (Hridaya-pundareekam), > > concentrate on Him > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and> > devotion.> > > > Regards> > KVG.> > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > > > HARI AUM> > >> > > I remember having read in this group about the> > various> > > forms of worship. While going through the Chapter> > 12 > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has> > suggested> > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed> > to> > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our > > > members can throw some light on these aspects.> > >> > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt> > Saroja> > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > > vale> > > too.> > >> > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more> > active> > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be> > quite > > > interesting.> > >> > > Regards> > >> > > Balagopal> > >> > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA> > >> > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > http://in.messenger.> > >> > >> > > > > >> > > Om Namo Narayanaya:> > >> > >> > >> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 Respected Sunitaa, I hope this quote, from Srimad Bhagavatam, might be of some help to you. vasudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogah prayojitah janayaty asu vairagyam jnanam ca yad ahaitukam By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world. ~Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.7 You might read the explanation of this verse at the below link. http://vedabase.net/sb/1/2/7/en2 Hare Krishna Abhilash Bhakti is the supermost occupation of the human being. ~Srila Prabhupada --- rsunitaa <rsunitaa wrote: > Om Namo Narayanaya!! > > In this context, I have a doubt, that has been > bothering me for a while. > What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or > Samadhi? Is it devotion to God or knowledge of > the self? Or is it both? In other words, does > devotion lead us to understanding the Truth or > understanding the supreme through scriptures and > meditation, generates devotion in us? > > > guruvayur , balagopal > ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote: > > > > HARI AUM > > > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, > > > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply. > > > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us > > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are > the > > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall > > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple > terms > > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall > strive > > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > > detachment etc. > > > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly > > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough > to > > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only > > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures > and > > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow > is > > reluctant. > > > > > > Regards > > > > Balagopal > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv > > wrote: > > > > > Dear all, > > > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is > the > > > following: > > > > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam > Padasevanam, > > > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam > Atma-nivedanam. > > > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. > > > > > > { The nine disciplines are, > > > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), > > > > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting > hymns > > > in His praise), > > > > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), > > > > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), > > > > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), > > > > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His > servant), > > > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate > friend) > > > and > > > > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself > totally to > > > Him).' > > > > > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine > features is > > > practised by a > > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the > > > highest form of > > > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in > answer > > > to a query from his > > > father Hiranya-kasipu. > > > > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of > Bhakti > > > are: > > > > > > Examples for these are : > > > > > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat > Vaiyasakih > > > keerthane > > > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh > > > Prithuh Poojane. > > > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha > sakhye > > > Arjunah > > > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > > > viduh. > > > > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage > > > Suka in extolling, > > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the > > > service of the Lotus > > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in > > > respectful salutation, > > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, > Mahabali > > > in total surrender. > > > These devotees are well-known for their > > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > > worship.) > > > > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the > Kaliyuga to > > > attain the Lord, as > > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, > in > > > the Treta-yuga by > > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, > etc., > > > the same is achieved > > > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one > > > need not resort to > > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending > money > > > and energy and > > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is > Lord > > > Guruvayoorappan > > > residing in one's own heart > (Hridaya-pundareekam), > > > concentrate on Him > > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and > > > devotion. > > > > > > Regards > > > KVG. > > > > > > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > > > > > HARI AUM > > > > > > > > I remember having read in this group about the > > > various > > > > forms of worship. While going through the > Chapter > > > 12 > > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has > > > suggested > > > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning > needed > > > to > > > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if > our > > > > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > > > > > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth > Smt > > > Saroja > > > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > > > vale > > > > too. > > > > > > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is > more > > > active > > > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be > > > quite > > > > interesting. > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > Balagopal > > > > > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > > http://in.messenger. > === message truncated === Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 Dear Sunitaaji, Radhe Krishna! See what Bhattatiri says in this context: Nishkamam Niyathasswadharmacharanam Yat Karma-yogabhidham Thad doorethyaphalam, yad oupanishada-jnanopalabhyam punah. Tat tu avyaktataya sudurgamataram chittasya thasmat Vibho! Twat-prematmaka-bhaktireva satatam swadeeyasee sreyasee! (Dasakam 2 sloka 8). Meaning: “What is called /Karma-yoga/ (the path of action),that is (practised) without desire (for results)and with observance of prescribed courses of conduct,is productive of results only in the distant future.Again, what is (/Jnana-yoga/ or path of Knowledge)obtainable through knowledge from the Upanishads,that too is very difficult to pursue for the mind, on account of (its) lack of clarity. Therefore, O All-pervading Lord! Bhakti (devotion) which is the same as love for You, is always the sweetest (tastiest) and most exalted ! " Commentary D2S8 ú “/Karma-yoga/, the path of duty is difficult to practise and takes a long time to give results. The path of duty or action involves performance of one’s prescribed duties (termed as /Swa-dharmas/) or even other actions, without attachment and not being prompted by desires. A /Karma-yogi/ should never think in terms of the benefits of the results of his actions. /Jnana-yoga/, the path of knowledge, is equally, or even more, difficult to practise. */Bhakti-yoga, the path of devotion, is the simplest and the easiest to practise, even for a layman.”_ _/* Performance of one’s own duty or /Dharma/ (/Swa-dharma/), without expecting the fruits of action constitutes /Karma-yoga./ Observance of such practices involves considerable monetary, physical and mental strain. The most difficult part of it is the observance without any lapses or deficiencies in the chanting of the mantras, performance of the rituals etc., which, if not adequately compensated for lapses, may lead to more problems. Further it is very difficult for the average householder or worldly man to be totally free from desires, as he is normally addicted to mundane pleasures. *Prayojanam anuddisya mandopi na pravartate. *Popular saying. (Even the dull-witted will not get into action without ascertaining the results.) Hence, all actions of people are generally result-oriented. Even if such actions can take them to heaven, a day will come when they exhaust all their merits and come back to the world of mortals. /*(Ksheene punye marthyalokam visanthi--Gita.)*/ */Hence it is evident that desire-motivated actions are related to attachment/*. Only one in a million may be able to do his duty without expecting rewards ie., with /Nishkama Buddhi/ (with a mind free from desires). Even then, it may only purify and prepare the mind for acquiring Self-knowledge and that too may take many birth-death cycles. In short, one will find that /Karma-yoga/ is extremely difficult to practise and is time-consuming. Comparatively, /Jnana-yoga/, the path of knowledge is still more difficult to practise. For reaching the level of self-realisation required to attain /Moksha/ or salvation, one has to purify the mind by doing his duties without being haunted by desires, become totally detached from all worldly objects and mundane pleasures, control the sense-organs and the mind by the eight-fold /sadhanas /(accomplishments), take guidance from a knowledgeable preceptor, become proficient in Vedas and Upanishads and perfectly understand them, be able to concentrate and meditate on the unmanifested form of Brahman, and practise this for unlimited time . Then, he becomes aware of what Brahman is, merges with it and attains salvation. Needless to say, this method is practically impossible to follow in view of the problems and hurdles one will have to encounter. But /Bhakti-yoga/, as propounded in the previous and earlier slokas, is easy to practise and is sure of giving results. Devotion, that is nothing but intense love towards God (Prematmaka-bhakti), has no reservations. It can be practised by one and all, with a deep sense of enjoyment. It gives eternal happiness at every stage, removes even the last traces of ego and makes one identify oneself with the Lord, which is the same as Self-realisation. Thus, this sloka reiterates the capability of /Bhakti-yoga/ to yield the ultimate result, namely, salvation. Regards KVG. rsunitaa wrote: > Om Namo Narayanaya!! > > In this context, I have a doubt, that has been bothering me for a while. > What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or Samadhi? Is it devotion > to God or knowledge of > the self? Or is it both? In other words, does devotion lead us to > understanding the Truth or > understanding the supreme through scriptures and meditation, generates > devotion in us? > > > guruvayur , balagopal ramakrishnan <rbalpal > wrote: > > > > HARI AUM > > > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, > > > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply. > > > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us > > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are the > > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall > > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple terms > > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall strive > > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > > detachment etc. > > > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly > > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough to > > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only > > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures and > > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow is > > reluctant. > > > > > > Regards > > > > Balagopal > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv > > wrote: > > > > > Dear all, > > > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is the > > > following: > > > > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam, > > > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atma-nivedanam. > > > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. > > > > > > { The nine disciplines are, > > > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), > > > > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting hymns > > > in His praise), > > > > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), > > > > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), > > > > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), > > > > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His servant), > > > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend) > > > and > > > > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself totally to > > > Him).' > > > > > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine features is > > > practised by a > > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the > > > highest form of > > > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in answer > > > to a query from his > > > father Hiranya-kasipu. > > > > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of Bhakti > > > are: > > > > > > Examples for these are : > > > > > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat Vaiyasakih > > > keerthane > > > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh > > > Prithuh Poojane. > > > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha sakhye > > > Arjunah > > > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > > > viduh. > > > > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage > > > Suka in extolling, > > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the > > > service of the Lotus > > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in > > > respectful salutation, > > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, Mahabali > > > in total surrender. > > > These devotees are well-known for their > > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > > worship.) > > > > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the Kaliyuga to > > > attain the Lord, as > > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, in > > > the Treta-yuga by > > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, etc., > > > the same is achieved > > > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one > > > need not resort to > > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending money > > > and energy and > > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is Lord > > > Guruvayoorappan > > > residing in one's own heart (Hridaya-pundareekam), > > > concentrate on Him > > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and > > > devotion. > > > > > > Regards > > > KVG. > > > > > > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > > > > > HARI AUM > > > > > > > > I remember having read in this group about the > > > various > > > > forms of worship. While going through the Chapter > > > 12 > > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has > > > suggested > > > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed > > > to > > > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our > > > > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > > > > > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt > > > Saroja > > > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > > > vale > > > > too. > > > > > > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more > > > active > > > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be > > > quite > > > > interesting. > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > Balagopal > > > > > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > > http://in.messenger. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Om Namo Narayanaya: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 Revered Sunitaaji, Radhe Krishna! I forgot to add in my mast mail wherein I have quored sloka 8 of dasakam 2 of Narayaneeyam, Bhakti Yoga covers Jnana-yoga also, as when A person's Bhakti reaches its zenith (Kaashtta), spiritual knowledge automatically comes. Hence there is no separate need of pursuing Jnana-yoga. Of course, there is nothing wrong in studying the Upanishads etc., without diluting the efforts in pursuing bhakti, but really speaking, there is no need. When pursuing Bhakti-yoga, Bhakti and Jnana are always together, and are inseparable from one another. But not so when one pursues only Jnana-yoga by reading only Upanishads Jnana without Bhakti takes millions of ages tachieve results *(Bahoonam Janmanam Anthe Jnanavan mam Prapadyate)* Regards KVG > Om Namo Narayanaya!! > > In this context, I have a doubt, that has been bothering me for a while. > What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or Samadhi? Is it devotion > to God or knowledge of > the self? Or is it both? In other words, does devotion lead us to > understanding the Truth or > understanding the supreme through scriptures and meditation, generates > devotion in us? > > > guruvayur , balagopal ramakrishnan <rbalpal > wrote: > > > > HARI AUM > > > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, > > > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply. > > > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us > > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are the > > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall > > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple terms > > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall strive > > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > > detachment etc. > > > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly > > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough to > > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only > > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures and > > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow is > > reluctant. > > > > > > Regards > > > > Balagopal > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv > > wrote: > > > > > Dear all, > > > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is the > > > following: > > > > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam, > > > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atma-nivedanam. > > > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. > > > > > > { The nine disciplines are, > > > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), > > > > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting hymns > > > in His praise), > > > > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), > > > > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), > > > > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), > > > > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His servant), > > > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate friend) > > > and > > > > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself totally to > > > Him).' > > > > > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine features is > > > practised by a > > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the > > > highest form of > > > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in answer > > > to a query from his > > > father Hiranya-kasipu. > > > > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of Bhakti > > > are: > > > > > > Examples for these are : > > > > > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat Vaiyasakih > > > keerthane > > > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh > > > Prithuh Poojane. > > > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha sakhye > > > Arjunah > > > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > > > viduh. > > > > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage > > > Suka in extolling, > > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the > > > service of the Lotus > > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in > > > respectful salutation, > > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, Mahabali > > > in total surrender. > > > These devotees are well-known for their > > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > > worship.) > > > > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the Kaliyuga to > > > attain the Lord, as > > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, in > > > the Treta-yuga by > > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, etc., > > > the same is achieved > > > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one > > > need not resort to > > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending money > > > and energy and > > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is Lord > > > Guruvayoorappan > > > residing in one's own heart (Hridaya-pundareekam), > > > concentrate on Him > > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and > > > devotion. > > > > > > Regards > > > KVG. > > > > > > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > > > > > HARI AUM > > > > > > > > I remember having read in this group about the > > > various > > > > forms of worship. While going through the Chapter > > > 12 > > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has > > > suggested > > > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning needed > > > to > > > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if our > > > > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > > > > > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth Smt > > > Saroja > > > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > > > vale > > > > too. > > > > > > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is more > > > active > > > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be > > > quite > > > > interesting. > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > Balagopal > > > > > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > > http://in.messenger. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Om Namo Narayanaya: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 HARI AUM The role of knowledge in developing a worthwhile devotion goes without saying. Knowledge when matures becomes Bhakthi. Bhakthi without knowledge may find it difficult to sustain. The irony is without jnana chances of developing a true bhakthi is also remote. See if somone can throw light on the process of how bhakthi is developed, I think we will be able to understand these more clearly. Regards Balagopal NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA --- Abhilash Nair <abhilash_ramachandran wrote: Respected Sunitaa, I hope this quote, from Srimad Bhagavatam, might be of some help to you. vasudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogah prayojitah janayaty asu vairagyam jnanam ca yad ahaitukam By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world. ~Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.7 You might read the explanation of this verse at the below link. http://vedabase.net/sb/1/2/7/en2 Hare Krishna Abhilash Bhakti is the supermost occupation of the human being. ~Srila Prabhupada --- rsunitaa <rsunitaa wrote: > Om Namo Narayanaya!! > > In this context, I have a doubt, that has been > bothering me for a while. > What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or > Samadhi? Is it devotion to God or knowledge of > the self? Or is it both? In other words, does > devotion lead us to understanding the Truth or > understanding the supreme through scriptures and > meditation, generates devotion in us? > > > guruvayur , balagopal > ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote: > > > > HARI AUM > > > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, > > > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply. > > > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us > > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are > the > > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall > > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple > terms > > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall > strive > > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > > detachment etc. > > > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly > > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough > to > > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only > > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures > and > > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow > is > > reluctant. > > > > > > Regards > > > > Balagopal > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv > > wrote: > > > > > Dear all, > > > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is > the > > > following: > > > > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are: > > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam > Padasevanam, > > > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam > Atma-nivedanam. > > > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24. > > > > > > { The nine disciplines are, > > > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits), > > > > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting > hymns > > > in His praise), > > > > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him), > > > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet), > > > > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him), > > > > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him), > > > > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His > servant), > > > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate > friend) > > > and > > > > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself > totally to > > > Him).' > > > > > > " If devotion marked by any of these nine > features is > > > practised by a > > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the > > > highest form of > > > learning. " These are the words of Prahlada in > answer > > > to a query from his > > > father Hiranya-kasipu. > > > > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of > Bhakti > > > are: > > > > > > Examples for these are : > > > > > > " Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat > Vaiyasakih > > > keerthane > > > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh > > > Prithuh Poojane. > > > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha > sakhye > > > Arjunah > > > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe > > > viduh. > > > > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage > > > Suka in extolling, > > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the > > > service of the Lotus > > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in > > > respectful salutation, > > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship, > Mahabali > > > in total surrender. > > > These devotees are well-known for their > > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > > worship.) > > > > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the > Kaliyuga to > > > attain the Lord, as > > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance, > in > > > the Treta-yuga by > > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas, > etc., > > > the same is achieved > > > by " NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM " in the Kali-yuga. So one > > > need not resort to > > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending > money > > > and energy and > > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is > Lord > > > Guruvayoorappan > > > residing in one's own heart > (Hridaya-pundareekam), > > > concentrate on Him > > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and > > > devotion. > > > > > > Regards > > > KVG. > > > > > > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote: > > > > > > > HARI AUM > > > > > > > > I remember having read in this group about the > > > various > > > > forms of worship. While going through the > Chapter > > > 12 > > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has > > > suggested > > > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning > needed > > > to > > > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if > our > > > > members can throw some light on these aspects. > > > > > > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth > Smt > > > Saroja > > > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more > > > vale > > > > too. > > > > > > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is > more > > > active > > > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be > > > quite > > > > interesting. > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > > > Balagopal > > > > > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > > http://in.messenger. > === message truncated === Tired of spam? Mail has the best spam protection around Om Namo Narayanaya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 HARI AUM ''Karma-yogi/ should never think in terms of the benefits of the results of his actions'' One remains a jivatma till he become 'desireless' in its present state. 'Desire' is the driving force of existence. That being the case a desireless and directionless activity is not Bhagavan intended; instead he said 'yogahah karmasu kausalam' To do this the person should be in a state of equanimity-meaning without worrying about 'how' he is going to manage to get the 'result'. it is here bhagavan says that you have no 'control' nor 'right' on 'how' that outcome (result) will come, since it will happen only in the 'future' and you are in the 'present'. Hence it is illogical to 'worry'. You have 'right' and 'control' only and only on one thing-the 'PRESENT'. Work on it and leave the rest to me. NARAYANA NARAYAN NARAYANA --- " K.V Gopalakrishna " <gopalakrishna.kv wrote: > Dear Sunitaaji, > Radhe Krishna! > > See what Bhattatiri says in this context: > > Nishkamam Niyathasswadharmacharanam Yat > Karma-yogabhidham > Thad doorethyaphalam, yad oupanishada-jnanopalabhyam > punah. > Tat tu avyaktataya sudurgamataram chittasya thasmat > Vibho! > Twat-prematmaka-bhaktireva satatam swadeeyasee > sreyasee! (Dasakam 2 > sloka 8). > > Meaning: > > “What is called /Karma-yoga/ (the path of > action),that is (practised) > without desire (for results)and with observance of > prescribed courses of > conduct,is productive of results only in the distant > future.Again, what > is (/Jnana-yoga/ or path of Knowledge)obtainable > through knowledge from > the Upanishads,that too is very difficult to pursue > for the mind, on > account of (its) lack of clarity. Therefore, O > All-pervading Lord! > Bhakti (devotion) which is the same as love for You, > is always the > sweetest (tastiest) and most exalted ! " > > Commentary D2S8 ú > > “/Karma-yoga/, the path of duty is difficult to > practise and takes a > long time to give results. The path of duty or > action involves > performance of one’s prescribed duties (termed as > /Swa-dharmas/) or even > other actions, without attachment and not being > prompted by desires. A > /Karma-yogi/ should never think in terms of the > benefits of the results > of his actions. /Jnana-yoga/, the path of knowledge, > is equally, or even > more, difficult to practise. */Bhakti-yoga, the path > of devotion, is the > simplest and the easiest to practise, even for a > layman.”_ > _/* > > > Performance of one’s own duty or /Dharma/ > (/Swa-dharma/), without > expecting the fruits of action constitutes > /Karma-yoga./ Observance of > such practices involves considerable monetary, > physical and mental > strain. The most difficult part of it is the > observance without any > lapses or deficiencies in the chanting of the > mantras, performance of > the rituals etc., which, if not adequately > compensated for lapses, may > lead to more problems. Further it is very difficult > for the average > householder or worldly man to be totally free from > desires, as he is > normally addicted to mundane pleasures. > > *Prayojanam anuddisya mandopi na pravartate. > *Popular saying. (Even the > dull-witted will not get into action without > ascertaining the results.) > Hence, all actions of people are generally > result-oriented. Even if such > actions can take them to heaven, a day will come > when they exhaust all > their merits and come back to the world of mortals. > /*(Ksheene punye > marthyalokam visanthi--Gita.)*/ */Hence it is > evident that > desire-motivated actions are related to > attachment/*. Only one in a > million may be able to do his duty without expecting > rewards ie., with > /Nishkama Buddhi/ (with a mind free from desires). > Even then, it may > only purify and prepare the mind for acquiring > Self-knowledge and that > too may take many birth-death cycles. > > In short, one will find that /Karma-yoga/ is > extremely difficult to > practise and is time-consuming. Comparatively, > /Jnana-yoga/, the path of > knowledge is still more difficult to practise. For > reaching the level of > self-realisation required to attain /Moksha/ or > salvation, one has to > purify the mind by doing his duties without being > haunted by desires, > become totally detached from all worldly objects and > mundane pleasures, > control the sense-organs and the mind by the > eight-fold /sadhanas > /(accomplishments), take guidance from a > knowledgeable preceptor, become > proficient in Vedas and Upanishads and perfectly > understand them, be > able to concentrate and meditate on the unmanifested > form of Brahman, > and practise this for unlimited time . Then, he > becomes aware of what > Brahman is, merges with it and attains salvation. > Needless to say, this > method is practically impossible to follow in view > of the problems and > hurdles one will have to encounter. > > But /Bhakti-yoga/, as propounded in the previous and > earlier slokas, is > easy to practise and is sure of giving results. > Devotion, that is > nothing but intense love towards God > (Prematmaka-bhakti), has no > reservations. It can be practised by one and all, > with a deep sense of > enjoyment. It gives eternal happiness at every > stage, removes even the > last traces of ego and makes one identify oneself > with the Lord, which > is the same as Self-realisation. > > Thus, this sloka reiterates the capability of > /Bhakti-yoga/ to yield the > ultimate result, namely, salvation. > > Regards > KVG. > > rsunitaa wrote: > > > Om Namo Narayanaya!! > > > > In this context, I have a doubt, that has been > bothering me for a while. > > What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or > Samadhi? Is it devotion > > to God or knowledge of > > the self? Or is it both? In other words, does > devotion lead us to > > understanding the Truth or > > understanding the supreme through scriptures and > meditation, generates > > devotion in us? > > > > > > guruvayur , balagopal > ramakrishnan <rbalpal > > wrote: > > > > > > HARI AUM > > > > > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna, > > > > > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply. > > > > > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us > > > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are > the > > > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall > > > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple > terms > > > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall > strive > > > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of > > > detachment etc. > > > > > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you > rightly > > > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is > enough to > > > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only > > > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures > and > > > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to > grow is > > > reluctant. > > > > > > > > > Regards > > > > > > Balagopal > > > > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA > > > > > > > > > > === message truncated === Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 Dear friends, Pls allow me to add some more words in the same line. "Bhaktyonmukha-jnanam" is preferred. Whatever knowledge that can aid bhakti can be accepted. That is why we read the "amalam-puranam, Srimad Bhagavatam" and the Gita, too. If one feels that there are other knowledges which could help sustain and improve his/her bhakti, from the upanishads, vedas, other smritis, or even material books - say "media & broadcasting" to telecast stories of Guruvayoorappan, then that also can be understood as bhakti. It totaly depends on each sadhaka's personality. A devotee, who does not know to read and write, but with full faith chants the name of the Lord and serves the Lord & Lord's devotees, s/he in no way a lesser devotee. Bhakti in itself is a very spontaneous, versatile and dynamic process. Hare Krishna Abhilash balagopal ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote: HARI AUMThe role of knowledge in developing a worthwhiledevotion goes without saying.Knowledge when matures becomes Bhakthi.Bhakthi without knowledge may find it difficult tosustain. The irony is without jnana chances of developing atrue bhakthi is also remote.See if somone can throw light on the process of howbhakthi is developed, I think we will be able tounderstand these more clearly.RegardsBalagopalNARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA --- Abhilash Nair <abhilash_ramachandranwrote:Respected Sunitaa,I hope this quote, from Srimad Bhagavatam, might be ofsome help to you.vasudeve bhagavatibhakti-yogah prayojitahjanayaty asu vairagyamjnanam ca yad ahaitukamBy rendering devotional service unto the Personalityof Godhead, Sri Krsna, one immediately acquirescauseless knowledge and detachment from the world.~Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.7You might read the explanation of this verse at thebelow link.http://vedabase.net/sb/1/2/7/en2Hare KrishnaAbhilashBhakti is the supermost occupation of the human being.~Srila Prabhupada--- rsunitaa <rsunitaa wrote:> Om Namo Narayanaya!!> > In this context, I have a doubt, that has been> bothering me for a while. > What is it that will lead a soul to Mukti or> Samadhi? Is it devotion to God or knowledge of > the self? Or is it both? In other words, does> devotion lead us to understanding the Truth or > understanding the supreme through scriptures and> meditation, generates devotion in us?> > > guruvayur , balagopal> ramakrishnan <rbalpal wrote:> >> > HARI AUM> > > > Dear Shree Gopalakrishna,> > > > Thanks a miu for the timely reply.> > > > Hope you can dwell a little deeper and tell us> > -Following any of the nine disciplines what are> the> > necessary changes/fine tuning a devotee shall> > apply/strive for and achieve. To put in simple> terms> > somebody choosing the path of Karma Yoga sall> strive> > for-Skill in what he does, develop a sense of> > detachment etc.> > > > The reason I seek this knowledge is as you rightly> > said in Kali Yuga only Nama sankeerthan is enough> to> > realise the self . Hence we tend to do only> > namasankeertan. Efforts to study the scriptures> and> > acquire the necessary mindset for the self to grow> is> > reluctant.> > > > > > Regards> > > > Balagopal> > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA> > > > > > > > --- "K.V Gopalakrishna" <gopalakrishna.kv> > wrote:> > > > > Dear all,> > > I think what Shri. Balagopal is referring to is> the> > > following:> > > > > > The nine disciplines of Bhakti are:> > > Sravanam Keerthanam Vishnoh Smaranam> Padasevanam,> > > Archanam Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam> Atma-nivedanam.> > > Bhagavatam. VII-5/23-24.> > > > > > { The nine disciplines are,> > > > > > (1) Sravanam (listening to His exploits),> > > > > > (2) Keerthanam (chanting His name and reciting> hymns> > > in His praise),> > > > > > (3) Smaranam (remembering Him),> > > > > > (4) Pada-sevanam (serving His Lotus Feet),> > > > > > (5) Archanam (worshipping Him),> > > > > > (6) Vandanam (paying obeisance to Him),> > > > > > (7) Daasyam (practising the role of His> servant),> > > > > > (8) Sakhyam (looking upon Him as an intimate> friend)> > > and> > > > > > (9) Atma-nivedanam. (surrendering oneself> totally to> > > Him).'> > > > > > "If devotion marked by any of these nine> features is> > > practised by a > > > person, such devotion is to be reckoned as the> > > highest form of > > > learning." These are the words of Prahlada in> answer> > > to a query from his > > > father Hiranya-kasipu.> > > > > > The examples of these 9 different modes of> Bhakti> > > are:> > > > > > Examples for these are :> > > > > > "Sreevishnoh sravane Pareekshidabhavat> Vaiyasakih> > > keerthane> > > Prahladah smarane anghripadmabhajane Lakshmeeh> > > Prithuh Poojane.> > > Akroorasthwabhivandane Kapipathih daasye cha> sakhye> > > Arjunah> > > Sarvasvatmanivedane Balirabhooth Kaivalyamethe> > > viduh.> > > > > > (Parikshit in listening to the Lord's name, Sage> > > Suka in extolling, > > > Prahlada in remembering, Goddess Lakshmi in the> > > service of the Lotus > > > feet, King Prithu in offering flowers, Akrura in> > > respectful salutation, > > > Hanuman in servitude, Arjuna in friendship,> Mahabali> > > in total surrender. > > > These devotees are well-known for their> > > exclusiveness in the methods of > > > worship.)> > > > > > It is said that it is the easiest in the> Kaliyuga to> > > attain the Lord, as > > > what is achieved in the Kritha-yuga by penance,> in> > > the Treta-yuga by > > > sacrifices and in the Dwapara-yuga by Poojas,> etc.,> > > the same is achieved > > > by "NAMA-SANKEERTHANAM" in the Kali-yuga. So one> > > need not resort to > > > stringent austerities like fasting, spending> money> > > and energy and > > > visiting holy places etc. Realise that there is> Lord> > > Guruvayoorappan > > > residing in one's own heart> (Hridaya-pundareekam),> > > concentrate on Him > > > and perform namasankeertanam.with sincerity and> > > devotion.> > > > > > Regards> > > KVG.> > > > > > > > > > > > balagopal ramakrishnan wrote:> > > > > > > HARI AUM> > > >> > > > I remember having read in this group about the> > > various> > > > forms of worship. While going through the> Chapter> > > 12> > > > of the Gita I found that our Bhagavan has> > > suggested> > > > many qualities, corrections and fine tuning> needed> > > to> > > > practise the Bhakthi yoga. It would be nice if> our> > > > members can throw some light on these aspects.> > > >> > > > Having studied the scriptures more in depth> Smt> > > Saroja> > > > Ramanujam and Shree Gopalakrishna can add more> > > vale> > > > too.> > > >> > > > As I mentioned earlier our Bhajan group is> more> > > active> > > > and hence more knowledge in this area will be> > > quite> > > > interesting.> > > >> > > > Regards> > > >> > > > Balagopal> > > >> > > > NARAYANA NARAYANA NARAYANA> > > >> > > > Send instant messages to your online friends > > > > http://in.messenger.> === message truncated ===Tired of spam? Mail has the best spamprotection around Om Namo Narayanaya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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