The ordinary man has to remember that his gentle plant of devotion thro The nine modes

[Guest guest]

"The ordinary man has to remember that his gentle plant of devotion has to be grown and tended and hedged with considerable care and for that purpose the regular forms of worship and the usual directions for the growth of devotion by attending pujas, Bhajanas and other ceremonies must be followed for a long time before attaining full fruition of Bhakti. Especially the nine modes of worship mentioned in the Bhagavata and stressed by Sri Sai Baba often have to be attended to and followed. In setting out those nine forms, one can see how the external and internal are inextricably interwoven and combined and how one gradually progresses with lower and external forms till his inner kernel of devotion attains maturity and perfection.

 

The nine modes are

Sravana Listenging to accounts of the deeds of God, his Avataras and Saints.

 

Kirtana of Vishnu, reciting these or repeating God’s names and praise.

 

Smarana constantly recalling these, especially uttering God’s names.

 

Padasevanam falling at the feet of God and Saints.

 

Archana formal worship, for example with flowers, water, food, scents and all the 16 upacharas.

 

Vadana prostration before God and the saints.

 

Dasya, for example service, doing every work for God or Saint.

 

Sakhya remaining in the company of God or Saint.

 

Nivedana that is, surrender of the self that is forgetting oneself entirely in the contemplation of God after formally offering the self as a gift to God.â€