Narayanasramam

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Knowledge Austerity by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

 

Devotion becomes meaningful and fulfilling only when it leads to

knowledge austerity (jñaana tapas). Reliance on the Supreme is but

the beginning of devotional life. To make it true, deep and wholesome,

the intelligence has to be steadfastly at work. The mind has to shed

desire, hatred and fear (raaga, dvesha and bhaya), inwardly and

behaviourally. To bring about such spiritual transformation in the

seeker is the role of Jñaana tapas. In Jñaana tapas, the devotee

does not seek God as a separate entity. He begins to imbibe and display

godliness, to become God-like. This is the true attainment of

spirituality.