Narayanasramam

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Supreme and Wholesome Devotion by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

 

In the Bhagavadgeeta, Krishna lists a number of distinct notes

constituting the vibrant creation and existence. The good and the

beautiful have unquestioned place in creation. Equally so feature the

bad and the ugly. The world juxtaposes the cruel with the gentle. The

pairs of opposites exist in an inextricable mixture.

 

This gives no room for any mind to foster strong preferences or

prejudices. Total acceptance of whatever is, together with full

reliance on its causal source, alone is the right course. To embrace

whatever comes without any trouble or torment, at the same time be

lovingly devoted to the Supreme, the Lord of all, is normally not easy

at all. However, such exclusiveness will give ample release and a sense of

assurance to the seeker that everything will go on well.

 

Naturally Arjuna felt an affinity for the wholesome devotional

approach. At the same time, Krishna had elaborately explained how the

whole world is but ephemeral (2.16,17). While transitoriness of

existence is easily visible before the senses, its eternal substratum

will be understood only by the enquiring intelligence. The eternal is

the cause and substratum of all existence and expression. Can any

rational person disregard this fact and fall a prey to the transitory?

 

Naturally arises the question as to who, of the two kinds of seekers

and saadhakas, – those given to worshipping the Supreme through

all their words, deeds and thoughts in a functional and interactional

manner, or the others given to pure contemplation on the subtlest

Imperishable Presence – are better. One is a regular interactional

pursuit, and the other a dispassionate contemplative approach. Krishna

had no hesitation in answering Arjuna:

 

There is no doubt that those, with their mind attuned to the Supreme,

through constant infusion, impelled by the highest attitude and aim,

are the most united. (Bhagavadgeeta. 12.2)

 

In very few words, Krishna again describes the path of wholesome

devotion. He makes reference to no paraphernalia the devotees are

found to be associated with. Krishna's prescription of supreme

devotion consists solely of the mind and intelligence. Both should be

fully attuned to the devotional goal, namely the Supreme. And in so

doing, the devotee should be free of all narrow worldly thoughts,

desires or motivations. The highest attitude and aim alone should

inspire and guide him in his resignation and exclusiveness.

 

Thus, supreme or exclusive devotion is a quality and enrichment

adorning the mind and intelligence. The two inner constituents in man,

namely the mind and intelligence, must remain wedded to the Supreme

through a note of full attunement and identity. There should be no

distraction or aberration due to divergent thoughts or ambitions. When

this is ensured, says Krishna, it unites the devotees best.