Path for the Grihastha

[Guest guest]

Dear Saadhaks,

 

Hari Om.

 

'Grihastha' means 'Householder'. This stage begins with marriage. The duties

of a man in this phase of life include raising children, caring for the

family, performing the 5 daily sacrifices (Pancha Maha Yajna) and being a

responsible member of the society. During Grihastha ashram a man uses the

knowledge he gained in his previous ashram (Brahmacharya) to live a

complete life and enjoy worldly pleasures, without a sense of guilt. Almost

all sections of the society depend on the householder. The society enjoys

stability, prosperity and peace only if the householder performs his Dharma

(Duty) properly. He remains a Grihastha until his son's son is born, say by

the age of 50-55. Though his physical senses become weaker, his inner

strength increases. Satiated with the world, he then turns to the spiritual

aspects of life in the 'Vaanaprastha' ashram- the next phase of his life. He

goes on pilgrimages and slowly detaches himself from worldly affairs.

 

The aim of human life is the attainment of God. Innumerable are the ways

that lead to God. Among them, the 3 paths of Karma, Bhakti and Jnaana are

important. If you are sincere, you will attain God in the end, whichever

path you follow. Still, Bhakti Yoga or Bhakti Marg is the religion

prescribed for the present age of Kaliyuga. But, that does not mean that the

lover of God will reach one God and the philosopher or worker will reach

another.

 

Bhaktiyoga is to keep the mind on God, by singing or chanting His name and

glories, and to pray to Him with a longing heart. For the Kaliyuga this path

of devotion is the easiest. Normally, the Bhakta or devotee wants to

realize his personal God, endowed with name and form, and talk to Him. He

seldom seeks the knowledge of Brahman. But God can make His devotee the

heir to His infinite glories, if it pleases Him. If one is able somehow to

reach Calcutta, one can see the Maidan, Museum, Howrah Bridge and other

places too. The issue is how to reach Calcutta.

 

The path of Karma is very difficult. Where will one find the time for it

nowadays? Man's life is short in this age. Further, it is extremely

difficult to perform one's duties in a spirit of detachment, without craving

for the result. Attachment to the result somehow enters the mind, though you

may not be aware of it.

 

To follow Jnaanayoga in this age is also very difficult. First, a man's life

depends entirely on food. Second, he has a short span of life. Third, he can

by no means get rid of 'body-consciousness', and knowledge of Brahman is

impossible without the destruction of this body-consciousness.

 

An aspirant has to keep his body, mind, senses and soul unspotted. He should

have a sincere love for God. Tears shed for God wash away the sins of former

births. This universe is His glory. If a man has faith in God, then it does

not matter whom he worships. A devotee thinks of God as he sees Him. One

should weep for God. The more you advance towards God, the less He will give

you worldly duties to perform. The best way to lead a spiritual life is to

follow the essentials in all the 3 paths - Karma, Bhakti and Jnana. however

the bhakti marg is the best becuase you are not depending on yourself but on

God to acheive your goal.

 

Thanks

 

Amit Sharma